A Travis County judge issued an arrest warrant on Dec. 31 for 24-year-old Francisco Javier Pantoja-Ahumada, who is accused of shooting and killing a man after a fight inside a southeast Austin mobile home. Police say the victim collapsed in the living room and was later pronounced dead. Investigators say the warrant is still active and they are asking the public for help tracking down the suspect.
Affidavit lays out witness account
According to KXAN, court documents filed in Travis County include an affidavit from a witness who described a disturbance that started in the unit's kitchen, moved toward the main entrance and then spilled into the living room. The witness told investigators the victim collapsed and that the person identified in the affidavit as Francisco Javier Pantoja-Ahumada "turned towards the front door and had a firearm in his hand" before running away.
What happened at the mobile home park
The Austin Police Department says officers responded to a "shoot/stab" emergency call around 10:39 p.m. on Sept. 13 and found an unresponsive man inside a unit at the Frontier Valley Mobile Home Park, according to the city’s news release. The department identified the victim as 44-year-old Mario Palacios-Carrillo, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Hoodline previously covered the September homicide in its story on Austin's 44th homicide.
Investigators are asking for help
FOX 7 Austin reported that detectives have asked anyone with information or video from the area to come forward, noting that tips can be submitted online or by calling the APD tip line at 512-974-TIPS. Authorities also urged residents to review doorbell camera and cell phone footage from the night of the incident for anything that might help the investigation.
Warrant and next steps
Documents filed in Travis County allege the victim was shot after a physical altercation and show that the arrest paperwork was filed in late December. KXAN reports the warrant was filed on Dec. 31 and that APD told the outlet it remained active as of Jan. 4. Prosecutors are expected to decide whether to pursue additional charges once the suspect is located and arrested.
How to share tips
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Austin Police Department homicide tip line at 512-974-TIPS or submit anonymous tips through Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477. Investigators reiterated that even a short video clip or a single image could prove useful to the case.
