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March 30, 2026
Travis County, TX — On March 12, 2026, a Travis County jury convicted Francisco Villafranca-Funes, 48, of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and two counts of Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact. For Villafranca-Funes’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, 9, 2026, and the State began presenting witnesses and evidence […]
March 13, 2026
Travis County, TX — On Friday, February 27, 2026, a Travis County jury convicted Charlie Simon, 58, of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Under 14, four counts of Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, and six counts of Sexual Assault of a Child. For Simon’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, February 23, 2026, [...]
March 11, 2026
Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza issued a statement after the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Carmen Mejia will not be deported following her release from jail. “Last night, Ms. Carmen Mejia was released from the Travis County jail after the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement that Ms. Mejia would […]
March 9, 2026
Travis County District Attorney’s Office Joined Ms. Mejia’s Counsel to Dismiss the Indictment Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that District Court Judge Wahlberg signed the State’s motion to dismiss Carmen Mejia’s Murder, Injury to a Child with Serious Bodily Injury, and Injury to a Child by Omission indictment. […]
March 5, 2026
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, February 26, 2026, a Travis County jury convicted Tyrone Thompson, 25, of two counts of both Murder and Collision Involving Death for the deaths of Cody Shelton, 26, and William Dunham, 34, in a fatal hit-and-run crash during South by Southwest in March 2024. On Monday, February 23, 2026, […]
March 5, 2026
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Thursday, February 26, 2026, a Travis County Special Grand Jury had concluded its review of the May 17, 2025, officer-involved shooting involving Austin Police Department Officer Joshua Jackson and did not return an indictment for the officer. On May 17, 2025, […]
March 4, 2026
What are the two monthly sexual assault reports now published by TCDA? The Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report (by Cause #) provides information about the number of sexual assault-related cases that TCDA receives, presents to grand jury, prosecutes, and resolves during each calendar month. These totals derive from counting unduplicated cause numbers. The Adult Sexual […]
March 3, 2026
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza released the following statement in response to the Texas Governor’s online comments. “These officers are heroes, and it should go without saying that my office is not seeking any charges and would not seek charges. The accounts to the contrary are false, intentionally false, […]
March 2, 2026
Travis County, TX — On Friday, February 13, 2026, a Travis County jury convicted Misael Alexander Rodas Martinez, 32, of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact. For Martinez’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, February 9, 2026, and the State began presenting evidence and witnesses on the […]
February 25, 2026
Travis County, TX — Earlier this month, Travis County District Attorney José Garza convened with the founding members of the Fight Against Federal Overreach in Washington, D.C., to finalize their demands for Congress to safeguard justice, protect our communities, and ensure that federal officers who violate state laws are held accountable. The coalition of prosecutors […]
February 19, 2026
“It is my sincere hope that the proceedings that have taken place today will bring long-awaited closure to every person who has been affected by the yogurt shop murders. It is my sincere hope that with this closure, we can begin to heal. Chief Davis – thank you for supporting this investigation, thank you for […]
February 18, 2026
Travis County, TX — Today, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office announced its decision to pursue a new trial for Daniel Sanchez on his charge of deadly conduct during a hearing in the 299th Criminal District Court. Sanchez’s new trial is scheduled for August 10, 2026. On November 17, 2025, a Travis County judge declared a […]
February 17, 2026
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that a Travis County Special Grand Jury concluded its review of the February 20, 2024, use-of-force incident involving former Manor ISD Police Department Officer Kristopher House and did not return an indictment against the officer on February 12, 2026. On February 20, 2024, a […]
February 17, 2026
Travis County, TX — Today, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office announced that on Friday, February 13, 2026, former University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) Officer Austin Dubois pleaded guilty to Official Oppression, a Class A Misdemeanor, pursuant to an investigation into his excessive use of force during the arrest of Laison Crenshaw, 37, at Dell […]
February 12, 2026
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, February 5, 2026, a Travis County jury convicted Lavonta Harrison, 32, of murder for the death of Shelby Cody, 33. For Harrison’s trial, a jury was selected on Monday, February 2, 2026, and the State began presenting witnesses and evidence on the following day. On Thursday, February 5, 2026, the […]
February 6, 2026
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Thursday, February 5, 2026, a Travis County Special Grand Jury had concluded its review of the November 7, 2024, officer-involved shooting involving Austin Police Department Officers Javier Rodriguez, Joseph Kephart, Katherine Alzola and Andy Yu and did not return an indictment for […]
February 6, 2026
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, January 22, 2026, a Special Grand Jury in the 167th Judicial District Court returned an indictment charging Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Jason Tye with the offense of Aggravated Assault by a Public Servant with a Deadly Weapon in connection with the shooting of Elijah Barrientos on July 10, 2023. The […]
January 29, 2026
Travis County, TX — In case you missed it, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced his participation in a coalition of prosecutors that will assist in prosecuting federal law enforcement officers who violate state law. The Project for the Fight Against Federal Overreach was formed in response to growing concerns […]
January 16, 2026
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, a Travis County jury convicted Reymundo Cardenas-Gutierrez,49, of two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. For Cardenas-Gutierrez’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, January 12, 2026, and testimony and evidence began the next day. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the jury deliberated, found him guilty […]
January 13, 2026
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that the hearing to clear the names of the four men previously accused of the Yogurt Shop Murders—Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen, Maurice Pierce, and Forest Welborn—is currently scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 9 a.m., in the 460th District Court, under the jurisdiction […]
January 12, 2026
Travis County, TX — On December 22, 2025, a Travis County grand jury in the 147th Judicial District Court returned a two-count felony indictment charging Markell Turner, 34, with the offenses of Manslaughter and Theft from Person. The charges relate to Turner unlawfully acquiring a juvenile’s phone, belt, and watch, and then recklessly causing Islam […]
December 22, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, December 11, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Elliott García, 43, of Murder. Jury selection for García’s trial started on Monday, December 8, 2025, and testimony began the following day. On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the jury deliberated and found him guilty of Murder. On Friday, December 12, 2025, […]
December 22, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Friday, December 12, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Vicente Reveles, 21, of Murder and Deadly Conduct. For Reveles’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, December 8, 2025, and testimony began on the following day. On Friday, December 12, 2025, the jury deliberated and found him guilty of Murder and […]
December 18, 2025
Travis County District Attorney’s Office Dismisses His Cases Travis County, TX — On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals granted relief in Marshall Moreno’s case (D1DC01303571) based on actual innocence and the false evidence presented during his 2003 trial. After receiving the mandate from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals […]
December 12, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, December 4, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Kevin Art Denmon, 52, of Indecency with a Child by Exposure. Jury selection began on Monday, December 1, 2025, for Denmon’s trial, and testimony started on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. On Thursday, December 4, 2025, the jury started deliberations and found […]
December 11, 2025
Travis County, TX — Today, in the 167th Criminal District Court, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office filed a Texas Disciplinary Rule of Professional Conduct 3.09 notice of exculpatory evidence and motion for appointment of counsel for four men previously accused of committing the Yogurt Shop Murders. This notice comes after the Austin Police Department’s […]
December 8, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Randi Gudiel Matul-Barrios, 39, of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child Under 14, two counts of Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, and three counts of Sexual Assault of a Child. For Matul-Barrios’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, December […]
November 21, 2025
Travis County, TX — Today, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office announced that it is conditionally dismissing the case against Austin Police Officer Karl Krycia. This decision reflects a mutual commitment by Austin Police (APD) and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office (TCDA) to strengthen public safety, enhance accountability, and build community trust. The dismissal is […]
November 19, 2025
Travis County, TX — In case you missed it, on Monday, November 10, 2025, Deck Brewer Jr.,79, pleaded guilty to Murder for the death of Susan Wolfe that took place on January 9, 1980. On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the judge sentenced Mr. Brewer to serve eight years at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. […]
November 17, 2025
Travis County, TX --- The Travis County Expunction Team invites our community to apply and prequalify for the 8th annual Travis County Expunction Expo, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026. The 2026 Travis County Expunction Expo will help Travis County residents clear their old arrest records. Residents who successfully complete the expunction process improve their [...]
November 17, 2025
Travis County, TX — Today, Monday, November 17, 2025, in the 299th Criminal District Court, a Travis County judge declared a hung jury in the deadly conduct trial of Daniel Sanchez. For Mr. Sanchez’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, November 3, 2025, and testimony began on Thursday, November 6, 2025. On Friday, November […]
October 30, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted George Johnson, 35, of two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and found true an allegation that he intentionally selected the victim because of his bias against a group identified by sexual preference. For the trial, jury selection started […]
October 15, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, October 9, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Jenner Ramirez, 28, of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and one count of Indecency with a Child by Contact. For Mr. Ramirez’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, October 6, 2025, and testimony began the following day. […]
October 14, 2025
Tampering with government records cases will continue Travis County, TX — Today,Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that our office has filed motions to dismiss the Abuse of a Human Corpse Without Legal Authority and Aggravated Perjury cases against MedtoMarket CEO Dr. Aaron Ali, 53, and the Abuse of a Corpse case against Capital […]
October 2, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Friday, September 19, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Yaseen Naz, 27, of Murder. For Mr. Naz’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, September 15, 2025, and testimony began the following day. On Friday, September 19, 2025, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Naz guilty of Murder that same day. […]
October 1, 2025
TCDA Opposed the Modifications for the Safety of Our Community Travis County, TX — Today, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a Travis County judge approved the modification of Kendrex White’s, 29, court-ordered inpatient mental health services to a court-ordered outpatient commitment. The Court received recommendations for the modification of Mr. White’s commitment status from officials at […]
September 29, 2025
At the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, we have never forgotten Amy, Jennifer, Eliza, and Sarah. Our hearts will always be broken for them. We are grateful for the Austin Police Department’s and the Texas Attorney General’s Cold Case Units, along with the Forensic Analysts, who have worked tirelessly on this case. The investigation conducted […]
September 25, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, September 9, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Uriel Loredo-Torres, 40, of Collision Involving Injury. On Monday, September 7, 2025, jury selection began for Mr. Loredo-Torres’s trial, and testimony started the following day. On Wednesday, September 9, 2025, the jury deliberated and found him guilty of Collision Involving Injury, […]
September 23, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Monday, September 22, 2025, a Travis County grand jury in the 390th Judicial District Court returned a 22-count indictment charging Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, with five counts of Manslaughter, two counts of Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury, and 15 counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. All offenses […]
September 18, 2025
Man Charged with Terroristic Threat Causing Fear of Imminent Serious Bodily Injury with a Hate Crime Finding Pleads Guilty Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on August 28, 2025, a Travis County judge sentenced Michael Boone, 57, for Terroristic Threat to Cause Imminent Serious Bodily Injury, a Class […]
September 4, 2025
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on July 22, 2025, a Travis County grand jury indicted Harvest Renaissance – Austin, LLC, and its former employees, Executive Director Mendi Ramsay and Wellness Director Rochelle Alvarado, for the offense of Injury to an Elderly Person. On February 17, 2021, during […]
August 26, 2025
This marks the first time since the early 1990s that a corporation has pleaded guilty to a worker’s death within Travis County Travis County, TX —Today,Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on July 31, 2025, the construction company, D Guerra Construction LLC, pleaded guilty to Assault Causing Bodily Injury and agreed to complete various […]
August 13, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Antonio Lopez Elizalde, 73, of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child. On Monday, August 4, 2025, jury selection began, and testimony started the next day. On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, after 10 minutes of deliberation, the jury found Mr. Elizalde guilty […]
July 24, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Quincy Punch, 41, of two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Jury selection started on Monday, July 14, 2025, and testimony began the following day. On Wednesday, […]
July 24, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, July 17, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Joshua Fernando Trezaratti, 48, of Murder. Jury selection started on Monday, July 14, 2025, and testimony began the following day. On Thursday, July 17, 2025, the jury started deliberations and found Mr. Trezaratti guilty of Murder. On Friday, July 18, 2025, […]
July 9, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, a Travis County judge ruled that Shane James, 36, is competent and ordered his criminal cases to proceed in the 147th Criminal District Court. The judge’s decision was based on the evaluation report received from the state mental health hospital that restored James’s competency to stand […]
June 27, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Maurys O. Madruga-Mesa, 43, of Aggravated Kidnapping and Sexual Assault. On Friday, June 20, 2025, a jury was selected, and testimony began on Monday, June 23, 2025, for Mr. Madruga-Mesa’s trial. On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the jury deliberated and […]
June 24, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Monday, June 23, 2025, a grand jury in the 167th Judicial District Court returned 17 separate indictments charging Zachary Barnett, 26, with one count of Sexual Performance by a Child, six counts of Possession of Child Pornography, and 10 counts of Possession of Lewd Visual Material Depicting a Child. Mr. […]
June 17, 2025
Travis County, TX — Today, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, former Austin Police Department Sergeant Brian Yarger pleaded guilty to Assault Causing Bodily Injury and Official Oppression, both Class A misdemeanors, pursuant to an investigation concerning his excessive force during the arrest of Shaun Johnson on June 2, 2024 (case D1DC24900154). In exchange for his guilty […]
June 9, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Friday, June 6, 2025, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office joined prosecutors, local government officials, and local governments in the lawsuit against the Trump administration’s abrupt and unlawful termination of federal public safety grants, through an amicus brief filed by the Public Rights Project. In April 2025, the Office of […]
June 3, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Elvin Salvador Tinoco-Orosco, 37, of murder. Jury selection for Mr. Tinoco-Orosco’s trial started on Monday, May 19, 2025, and testimony began on the following day. On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the jury began deliberations and, on the same day, found Mr. […]
May 22, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, May 8, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted John Arnold, 32, of Sexual Assault. For Mr. Arnold’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, May 5, 2025, and testimony began the following day. On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the jury started deliberating and on Thursday, May 8, 2025, found him […]
May 2, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, April 24, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Jerris Harris, 28, of Aggravated Sexual Assault. Jury selection started on Monday, April 21, 2025, and testimony began on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the jury started deliberations and found Mr. Harris guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault. […]
May 1, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Honorable Judge Karen Sage issued an order for Alvin Stewart, 42, who did not receive a fair trial in 2002, to be released from custody. Judge Sage resentenced Mr. Stewart for his 2002 aggravated robbery conviction after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) granted […]
April 29, 2025
Travis County, TX — — On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office reached an agreement to modify the conditions of pretrial release to keep our community safe while Solomun Weldekeal-Araya awaits trial. The agreement was reached with defense counsel, and the Court approved it. The bond conditions require that the defendant […]
April 25, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Adam Brown, 25, of Murder. For Mr. Brown’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, April 7, 2025, and testimony began the following day. On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the jury started deliberations and on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, found Mr. Brown […]
April 25, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Omar Cortes-Castillo, 31, of two counts of Sexual Assault and one count of Attempted Sexual Assault. Jury selection started on Monday, April 14, 2025, and testimony began the following day. On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the jury started deliberations and found […]
April 9, 2025
Key Resolution Items are Meeting the Needs of Victims & Reducing Violence Travis County, TX — Last week, Travis County District Attorney José Garza, along with leaders from Travis County and the City of Austin, as well as safety leaders and community partners, updated our community on our collaborative efforts to implement a comprehensive countywide […]
April 4, 2025
Travis County, TX — This week, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office reached a preliminary settlement agreement with the Texas Attorney General’s Office on our office’s appeal to their ruling on the release of certain security information. The agreement will result in consistent disclosure of security-related information. “We are grateful to the Office of the […]
March 18, 2025
Travis County, TX — Today, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Austin Police Department Officer Alejandro Gaitan pled guilty to Assault Causing Bodily Injury, a misdemeanor, pursuant to an investigation concerning his excessive use of force during an arrest. (case D1DC21900058) As part of this plea deal, Officer Gaitan will complete two years of deferred adjudication and […]
March 10, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, March 6, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Moses Mohinga, 23, of Murder. Jury selection for Mr. Mohinga’s trial started on Monday, March 3, 2025, and testimony began the following day. On Thursday, March 6, 2025, the jury deliberated, found Mr. Mohinga guilty of Murder and sentenced him to […]
February 18, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the Judge of the 331st District Court will hear the Travis County District Attorney’s Office motion to increase the bond for defendant Stephon Morson, 19. On February 5, 2025, the D.A.’s office secured an indictment against Mr. Morson for Murder and Tampering with Evidence. It is […]
February 12, 2025
Authorities Identified Defendant with the SAKI Federal Grant that Processed the Victim’s Untested Sexual Assault Kit Travis County, TX — On Friday, January 17, 2025, a Travis County jury found Douglas Birden, 66, guilty of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, pertaining to a cold case from 1993. This verdict marks the […]
February 10, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Monday, January 27, 2025, a Travis County Judge in the 403rd Judicial Court signed an order recommending that the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals set aside Terrance Caesar’s 2013 Burglary of Habitation conviction and send his case back to the District Court for a new trial due to several serious […]
February 7, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Friday, January 31, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Afif Hidvelasco, 44, of Sexual Assault. Jury selection started on Monday, January 27, 2025, and testimony began on the following day. On Friday, January 31, 2025, the jury started deliberations, found Mr. Hidvelasco guilty of Sexual Assault, and sentenced him to […]
February 4, 2025
Travis County, TX — On Monday, January 27, 2025, a Travis County jury convicted Abel Bermudez-Ornelas, 44, of two counts of Murder. Jury selection started on Monday, January 13, 2025, and testimony began on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. On Monday, January 27, 2025, the jury started deliberations and found Mr. Bermudez-Ornelas guilty of two counts […]
January 2, 2025
Travis County, TX — This morning, Travis County District Attorney José Garza was sworn in for his second term in office by Judge Brad Urrutia, the presiding judge of the 450th District Court. Travis County District Attorney José Garza released the following statement: “I am honored to serve as your District Attorney for a second term […]
December 18, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, December 12, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Ololade Jakande Shoetan, 44, of Attempted Sexual Assault and Aggravated Kidnapping. For Mr. Shoetan’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, December 9, 2024, and testimony began the following day. On Thursday, December 12, 2024, the jury deliberated and found him guilty […]
December 18, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, December 12, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Manolo Gonzalez, 23, of Murder. For Mr. Gonzalez’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, December 9, 2024, and testimony began the following day. On Thursday, December 12, 2024, the jury deliberated and found him guilty of Murder the same day. On […]
December 18, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, December 12, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Tajaurae Jones, 21, of Murder. For Mr. Jones’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, December 9, 2024, and testimony began on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The jury started deliberating on Thursday, December 12, 2024, and on the same day, found Mr. […]
December 18, 2024
Travis County, TX — Today, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, former DPS Trooper Zachary Maini pled no contest to Official Oppression pursuant to an investigation concerning his use of force during a traffic stop. (case D1DC22900109) On November 15, 2024, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office filed an Information charging Mr. Maini with the offense of […]
December 16, 2024
TCDA & the Austin Area Urban League Announce Partnership to Help Community Members Apply for Expunction Expo Travis County, TX — The Travis County Expunction Team invites our community to apply and pre-qualify for the 7th annual Travis County Expunction Expo, which will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The 2025 Travis County Expunction […]
December 12, 2024
Travis County, TX — Today, Tuesday, December 12, 2024, the presiding judge assigned to oversee the petition to remove Travis County District Attorney José Garza dismissed the petition. Travis County District Attorney José Garza released the following statement. “Over the past four years, we have worked hard to keep the community safe, fix the criminal […]
December 3, 2024
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza hosted an event to unveil the Remembrance Space titled “Rise Above:: Stand Strong” honoring the courage of sexual assault survivors and their relentless pursuit of justice. The Remembrance Space pays tribute to the fourteen plaintiffs who sued Travis County, demanding that sexual assault survivors […]
December 3, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, a Travis County judge sentenced Christopher Taylor to two years in prison for Deadly Conduct, to be served in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Mr. Taylor will remain out of custody pending his appeal. After a Travis County jury convicted Christopher Taylor of Deadly Conduct […]
November 21, 2024
Travis County, TX —Today, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office announced it has released information related to the nature of the threats against him and steps taken by Travis County to address those threats. “Too often, serving in elected office comes with threats of violence,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “In the face […]
November 14, 2024
Travis County, TX --- Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on September 30, 2024, a Travis County grand jury indicted D Guerra Construction LLC and Carlos Alejandro Guerrero, 37, a Project Superintendent employed by D Guerra Construction LLC, for the offense of Criminal Negligent Homicide, a state jail felony. On October 23, [...]
November 12, 2024
Travis County, TX — Today, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division to enhance efforts against wage theft in Travis County. This updated agreement enables our offices to collaborate by sharing information, conducting joint investigations, and coordinating enforcement efforts. […]
October 10, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, September 26, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Dublas Vasquez, 25, of Aggravated Kidnapping Sexual Abuse and two counts of Sexual Assault. For Mr. Vasquez’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, September 23, 2024, and testimony began on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. On Thursday, September 26, 2024, the jury […]
Travis County DA’s Office Secures Conviction for Man Charged with Capital Murder of Multiple Persons
October 10, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted David Ontiveros, 45, of Capital Murder of Multiple Persons. For Mr. Ontiveros’s trial, jury selection began on Monday, September 16, 2024, and testimony started the following day. On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Ontiveros guilty of […]
October 10, 2024
Travis County, TX —In September 2024, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office tried cases of alleged acts of violence before Travis County juries and secured convictions for the victims and their families. The State of Texas v. Jorge Flores-Duran On Monday, September 9, 2024, Jorge Flores-Duran pleaded guilty to murder before jury selection was set […]
October 5, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Saturday, October 5, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Christopher Taylor, 32, of Deadly Conduct. For Mr. Taylor’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, September 23, 2024, and testimony began on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. The jury started deliberating on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, and on Saturday, October 5, 2024, […]
September 30, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Monday, September 30, 2024, Raul Meza, 63, pled guilty to the Capital Murder of Gloria Elizabeth Lofton, 65, which occurred in the course of committing and attempting to commit the offense of Aggravated Sexual Assault. For this offense, Mr. Meza was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of […]
August 15, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Friday, August 2, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Kendric Knatte, 34, of Tampering with Evidence. For Mr. Knatte’s trial, he was charged with count 1 of Murder and count 2 of Tampering with Evidence. A jury was selected on Monday, July 29, 2024, and testimony began the following day. […]
July 31, 2024
Travis County, TX — In July 2024, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office tried cases of alleged acts of violence before Travis County juries and secured convictions for the victims. The State of Texas v. Blake Jones On Friday, June 28, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Blake Jones, 30, of first-degree injury to a child […]
June 26, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, a Travis County Grand Jury concluded its review of the use of force case involving Austin Police Department Officer Christopher Taylor and issued No True Bills. Previously, on November 15, 2023, after hearing all of the evidence, a trial jury could not reach an agreement on […]
June 5, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Juan Carbajal Jaimes, 25, of Murder. For Mr. Jaimes’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, May 20, 2024, and testimony began the following day. On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Jaimes guilty of Murder. On Thursday, […]
June 5, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Friday, May 24, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Yong Yoon Kim, 33, of two counts of Murder. For Mr. Kim’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, May 20, 2024, and testimony began the following day. On Friday, May 24, 2024, the jury deliberated and, on the same day, found […]
June 4, 2024
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that our office will file a Petition for a Writ of Mandamus asking the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to vacate Governor Abbott’s unlawful pardon of Daniel Perry for the murder of Garrett Foster. The petition asks the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals […]
May 29, 2024
Travis County, TX —On Friday, May 17, 2024, a grand jury in the 147th Judicial District Court returned six separate indictments charging Mitchell Wasek, 28, with 21 counts of the state jail felony of Invasive Visual Recording TX PC 21.15. The charges pertain to thirteen separate victims who were alleged to have been secretly recorded […]
May 23, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, May 16, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Francisco Lopez, 36, of Murder. For Mr. Lopez’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, May 13, 2024, and testimony began that day. On Thursday, May 16, 2024, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Lopez guilty of Murder. On Friday, May 17, […]
May 23, 2024
Travis County, TX — The Travis County District Attorney’s Office wants residents to be aware of a phone scam in which individuals continue to pose as representatives from the Office. On Monday, May 20, 2024, our office received a complaint from a resident who reported receiving a phone call from someone pretending to be a […]
May 16, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Monday, May 13, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Edgar Alejandro Barahona, 22, of two counts of Murder. For Mr. Barahona’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, May 6, 2024, and testimony began the following day. On Monday, May 13, 2024, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Barahona guilty of […]
May 16, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Michael Jason Sanchez, 34, of Assault Family Violence with a Prior Conviction for Assault Family Violence. For Mr. Sanchez’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, May 6, 2024, and testimony began the following day. On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, the jury […]
May 16, 2024
The Board and the Governor have put their politics over justice and made a mockery of our legal system. They should be ashamed of themselves. Their actions are contrary to the law and demonstrate that there are two classes of people in this state where some lives matter and some lives do not. They have […]
May 7, 2024
Travis County, TX --- Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, Inland Recycling, LLC CEO David Polston pleaded guilty to the offense of Intentional or Knowing Unauthorized Discharge. In April 2019, Mr. Polston allowed his company, Inland Recycling, an oil and gas recycling facility located in Colorado County, [...]
April 23, 2024
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, a grand jury in the 450th Judicial District Court returned an indictment charging Bert Baker, 36, with the offense of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The grand jury did not make a hate crime finding, meaning […]
April 18, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, April 4, 2024, Joel Santiago Gonzalez-Pavon, 19, pled guilty to Murder, four cases of Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Indecency with a Child by Exposure before jury selection for his trial was set to begin on Friday, April 5th, 2024. In the murder case of […]
April 18, 2024
Travis County, TX --- On Monday, April 15, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Jay Anthony Morgan, 49, of Indecency with a Child by Contact. Jury selection began on Monday, April 9, 2024, with testimony starting on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. On Friday, April 12, 2024, the jury started deliberating, and on Monday, April 15, [...]
April 18, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Deddrick Amerson, 45, of Murder. For Mr. Amerson’s trial, jury selection began on Monday, April 15, 2024, with testimony starting the following day. On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the jury deliberated for two hours and found Mr. Amerson guilty of Murder. […]
April 17, 2024
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced several structural and leadership changes in the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Current Violence Prevention, Juvenile, and Mental Health Director Rickey Jones has been promoted to Senior Director Over Trial Court, Violence Prevention, Mental Health, Civil Rights Unit, Child Abuse, Civil Division, and […]
April 3, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, March 28, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Hai Vo, 56, of Aggravated Sexual Assault. On Friday, March 29, 2024, Mr. Vo failed to appear for the punishment phase of his trial, and there is now an active warrant for his arrest. On May 13, 2020, Mr. Vo was […]
April 2, 2024
Travis County, TX—The Travis County District Attorney’s Office wants residents to be aware of a phone scam in which individuals pose as representatives from the Office. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office has received complaints from two residents who reported a phone call from someone pretending to be a TCDA staff member and threatening them […]
March 18, 2024
Travis County, TX --- The Travis County Expunction Team invites our community to apply and pre-qualify for the 6th Travis County Expunction Expo, which will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Residents who successfully complete the expunction process to clear their criminal records improve their access to jobs, financial assistance for higher education, and [...]
March 7, 2024
Travis County, TX — – On Thursday, March 7, 2024, a Travis County jury acquitted former Williamson County Deputies J.J. Johnson and Zach Camden of Manslaughter. Jury selection began on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, with testimony starting on Monday, February 26, 2024. On Thursday, March 7, 2024, the jury deliberated and, on the same day, […]
March 5, 2024
Travis County, TX — – On Friday, March 1, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted John Steven Hernandez, 36, of Murder. Jury selection began on Monday, February 26, 2024, with testimony starting on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. On Friday, March 1, 2024, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Hernandez guilty of Murder and assessed his […]
February 13, 2024
Travis County, TX — – On February 12, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Eric Rollins on the charge of Capital Murder of Multiple Persons. He was sentenced on the same day to life without parole, to be served in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Mr. Rollins was charged for killing two people on […]
February 13, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, February 7, a Travis County jury convicted William Rolando Rivera of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, a Second Degree Felony. Mr. Rivera was sentenced by the jury to 7 years in the Texas Department of Corrections to be probated for three years. The case against Mr. Cooks was […]
February 8, 2024
Travis County, TX — – Today, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office updated the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division regarding the request for a “pattern-or-practice” investigation. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office provided the DOJ with additional letters from Congressmen Lloyd Doggett and Gregorio Casar. In addition, the DA’s Office informed the DOJ […]
February 2, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, January 25, 2024, Jorge Luis Alvarado Blanco, 38, pled guilty to Murder and was sentenced to 35 years to be served in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. On March 14, 2023, the Austin Police Department arrested Mr. Blanco and charged him with the murder of his wife, Minerva […]
February 2, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Friday, January 26, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Cornelius Cooks, 24, of Murder and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Jury selection began on Monday, January 22, 2024, with testimony starting on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. On Friday, January 26, 2024, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Cooks guilty of […]
February 2, 2024
Travis County, TX — On Monday, January 22, 2024, Kelvin Jaquan Robinson, 23, pled guilty to Murder and Assault on a Public Servant before jury selection began for his trial. He was sentenced to 26 years for Murder and 4 years for Assault on a Public Servant to be served concurrently in the Texas Department […]
January 23, 2024
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Thursday, January 18, 2024, a Travis County Special Grand Jury concluded its review of the September 17, 2022, use of force case involving Travis County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Neil Reilly #4567 and did not return an indictment for the deputy. On […]
January 20, 2024
Over five years ago, survivors of sexual assault were forced to sue Police Chief Art Acevedo because he failed to adequately investigate the crimes committed against them and countless other victims of sexual violence. On his watch, a backlog of untested rape kits grew, and a culture of disrespect for survivors of sexual assault festered. […]
January 20, 2024
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza hosted an event for the community to participate in the creation of a Remembrance Space that honors the courage of sexual assault survivors. During the interactive event, sexual assault survivors, advocates, and their allies worked with artist Dianne Sonnenberg to design their own art […]
January 17, 2024
Travis County, TX --- Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that he has appointed Assistant Director Andrea Austin to be the new Director of the Special Victims Unit, overseeing the family violence and sexual assault units. Andrea Austin has worked for over two decades as a prosecutor. She started her career at the [...]
January 17, 2024
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Friday, January 12, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Sergio Nava-Sanchez, 42, of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, Indecency with a Child by Contact, and Attempted Sexual Assault of a Child. Jury selection began on Monday, January 8, 2024, with […]
January 11, 2024
Travis County, TX —– Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Thursday, January 11, 2024, a Travis County Special Grand Jury concluded its review of the November 11, 2023, use of force case involving Austin Police Department SWAT Officer Jared Carruth #7291, SWAT Officer Kevin Olejar # 7788, and SWAT Sergeant Kevin […]
December 20, 2023
Travis County, TX — On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, a Special Grand Jury in the 403rd Judicial District Court returned an indictment charging Austin Police Department Officer Daniel Sanchez with one count of Deadly Conduct, a third-degree felony, in connection with the shooting death of Rajan Moonesinghe. The Office’s Civil Rights Unit will prosecute Officer […]
December 14, 2023
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, a Travis County Special Grand Jury concluded its review of the June 12, 2022, use of force case involving Austin Police Department Officers Dennis Kerlin (#7427), John Zavala (#6707), & Spencer Bradley (#6757) and did not return […]
December 8, 2023
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Monday, December 4, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Dietrich White, 49, of Murder. Jury selection began on Monday, November 27, 2023, with testimony starting on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. On Monday, December 4, 2023, the jury deliberated and found Mr. […]
December 7, 2023
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Enrique Perdomo-Mejia, 26, of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child. Jury selection began on Monday, November 13, 2023, with testimony starting on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. On Monday, December 4, 2023, […]
December 7, 2023
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, a Travis County Special Grand Jury had concluded its review of the August 8, 2022, shooting incident involving Texas Department of Safety Trooper Austin Ostrander (#15248), Austin Police Department Officer Michael Bradburn (#9444), and did not return […]
December 6, 2023
Our hearts break for the shooting victims, injured officers, their families, and our communities impacted by yesterday’s senseless and tragic gun violence. We thank the Austin Police Department, Austin Independent School District Police, Texas Department of Public Safety, the US Marshalls, and the FBI for their quick work in apprehending this dangerous suspect. Our office […]
December 4, 2023
Travis County, TX — On Monday, December 4, 2023, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office (TCDAO) and the City of Austin (COA) announced that they have submitted a joint letter to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division (DOJ) inviting a review of the Austin Police Department’s actions during the protests of 2020. It was […]
November 16, 2023
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, November 16, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Kaitlin Armstrong, 35, of Murder for the death of Anna Moriah Wilson, 25. Jury selection began on Monday, October 30, 2023, with testimony starting on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the jury deliberated and found Ms. Armstrong […]
November 15, 2023
Travis County, TX — Today, in the 167th Criminal District Court, a Travis County judge declared a hung jury in the murder trial of Christopher Taylor. For Mr. Taylor’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, October 16, 2023, and testimony began on Monday, October 23, 2023. On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, the jury began deliberating […]
November 11, 2023
On behalf of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, all our hearts break for the fallen officer, the wounded officer, and the victims involved in the tragic incident this morning. We are praying for their families and the speedy recovery of the wounded officer. We are grateful for all of the members of APD who […]
October 26, 2023
Travis County, TX — During the week of October 9, 2023, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office tried three cases before Travis County juries. Two of those trials resulted in convictions, and one resulted in an acquittal. On Friday, October 13, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Ruben Alonzo, 29, of Sexual Assault. For Mr. […]
September 29, 2023
Travis County, TX — During the week of September 18, 2023, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office tried four cases of alleged acts of violence before Travis County juries. Of those trials, two resulted in convictions, one resulted in an acquittal, and one resulted in a mistrial. On Thursday, September 21, 2023, a Travis County […]
September 8, 2023
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Friday, September 8, 2023, a Travis County Grand Jury concluded its review of the September 18, 2021, use of force incident involving former Austin Police Department Edward Jaramillo (AP8408) and did not return an indictment for the officer. “The District Attorney’s […]
September 7, 2023
Travis County, TX — On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Deondre White, 21, of Murder. Jury selection began on Monday, August 28, 2023, with testimony starting on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the jury deliberated and found Mr. White guilty of Murder. On Thursday, September 7, 2023, […]
August 23, 2023
Travis County, TX — On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Abraham Kulor, 19, pleaded guilty to two murder cases. A Travis County judge sentenced Mr. Kulor to 40 years in prison for the murder of Anthony Christopher Brown, 27, and 40 years in prison for the murder of Carlos Daniel Calleja, 23, to serve in the […]
August 11, 2023
Travis County, Tx — This week, Travis County District Attorney José Garza delivered letters to Austin Mayor Watson and City Councilmembers to express support for continuing funding of public safety initiatives included in the City’s proposed 2023 – 2024 budget. This includes their initiatives that continue to invest in community-based gun violence prevention programs, resources […]
August 11, 2023
Travis County, Tx — On Thursday, August 10, 2023, a Travis County Grand Jury returned three true bills of indictments against Raul Meza, 62. In one indictment, Mr. Meza was indicted for one count of Capital Murder & another count of Murder in connection with the death of Gloria Lofton, 65. The Grand Jury also […]
August 7, 2023
TCADO Joined Ms. Jimenez’s Counsel to Dismiss on the Basis of Actual Innocence Travis County, TX – Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that Judge Sage signed the State’s Motion to Dismiss Rosa Jimenez’s Murder and Injury to a Child Indictment, in which the State asserted that it has determined no credible evidence […]
July 25, 2023
Travis County, Tx — On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Kyle Taylor, 39, of two counts of Terroristic Threat Against Peace Officer. For Mr. Taylor’s trial, jury selection occurred on Monday, July 17, 2023, and testimony began on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, the jury deliberated and […]
July 7, 2023
Travis County, Tx — Last month, Travis County District Attorney’s Office Attorneys Habon Mohamed and Victor Erbring, along with Investigator Fred Spenser, were honored with the NIBIN Award from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for their exceptional collaboration with members of the ATF, Austin Police Department, and US Attorney’s Office in […]
June 28, 2023
Travis County, Tx — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, the former Mayor of Elgin, Christopher Cannon, 38, pleaded guilty to the offense of Theft of Property, a third-degree felony. From January 27, 2015, through August 21, 2019, Mr. Cannon, a licensed insurance agent, acquired payments from […]
June 27, 2023
Travis County, Tx — On Thursday, June 15, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Daniel Enrique Carcamo, 27, of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Assault Family Member, Impeding Breathing or Circulation. For Mr. Carcamo’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, June 12, 2023, and testimony began on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. On Thursday, […]
June 27, 2023
Travis County, Tx — On Thursday, June 15, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Jeffrey Garner, 24, of Murder. For Mr. Garner’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, June 12, 2023, and testimony began on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. On Thursday, June 15, 2023, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Garner guilty of Murder. On […]
June 13, 2023
Travis County, Tx — On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Benjamin Taylor, 33, of Obstruction or Retaliation. For Mr. Taylor’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, June 5, 2023, and testimony began on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Taylor guilty of […]
June 2, 2023
TRAVIS COUNTY, TX — Today, the Travis County District Attorney’s office announced that a Travis County Grand Jury indicted several Georgia-based corporate executives with doing the business of insurance in the State of Texas without a license. The Grand Jury formally charged both Shelley Steele and Chase Moses, the CEO and President of The Aliera […]
May 26, 2023
Our hearts go out to the Ramos family, who have to wait even longer for the trial of Christopher Taylor. Due to the release of Monday’s jury panel because of a constitutional violation, the parties were not able to select a jury this week. The judge will reset the case to a future date, and […]
May 23, 2023
Family violence cases conviction rates dramatically increased TCDAO updates victim policies to continue to address & center the needs of victims Travis County, TX — Today, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office encouraged 71 family violence victims to come forward. In addition, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that our conviction rates for family violence […]
May 23, 2023
These policies are designed to ensure that victims of crime know that engaging with our office will not mean they are retraumatized, ignored or accused of not being credible. To accomplish this goal, we will: Prioritize Victims Justice We will prioritize the prosecution of violent crime, knowing that gender-based violence and crimes against marginalized communities […]
May 16, 2023
Travis County, TX — On Monday, May 8, 2023, Kelly Lawrence Schernik, 40, pled guilty to Manslaughter before his case was given a retrial setting. Mr. Shernick’s murder case was originally presented to a Travis County jury on February 13, 2023. On February 17, 2023, the Judge declared a mistrial when the jury failed to […]
May 5, 2023
Travis County, TX — The Travis County District Attorney’s Office is aware of a single felony arrest made by DPS at the Texas State Capitol on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. A Magistrate Judge determined that this arrest lacked probable cause and rejected the charge. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office had no involvement in this […]
May 3, 2023
Travis County, Tx — Today, Travis County Judge Cliff Brown rejected Daniel Perry’s request for a new trial filed by his counsel on April 11, 2023. Judge Brown has set Mr. Perry’s sentencing hearing for Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 9 am. On April 7, 2023, a Travis County jury found Daniel Perry guilty of […]
April 19, 2023
Travis County, Tx — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, a Travis County Special Grand Jury concluded its review of the August 19, 2021, shooting incident involving Austin Police Department Officers Derrick Lehman # 6794, Jason Cummins # 6845, and Michael Barba # 5203, and did not […]
April 13, 2023
Travis County, Tx — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, a Travis County Special Grand Jury had concluded its review of the July 13, 2022, shooting incident involving Leander PD Officer John Carnley # 846 and Georgetown PD Officer Thomas Tatum #42, and did not return an […]
April 13, 2023
Travis County, TX — On Thursday, April 6, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Antonio Joiner, 30, of Murder. For Mr. Joiner’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, April 3, 2023, and testimony began on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. On Thursday, April 6, 2023, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Joiner guilty of Murder. On September […]
April 11, 2023
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles PO Box 13401 Austin, Texas 78711-3401 Sent via email to XXXXXXX and XXXXXX Dear Board Chair David Gutiérrez and Honorable Members of the Board: I write to request an appointment before the Board to allow the Office of the Travis County District Attorney to present to you evidence relating […]
April 9, 2023
Travis County, Tx — Today, Travis County Judge Cliff Brown rejected Daniel Perry’s request for a new trial filed by his counsel on April 11, 2023. Judge Brown has set Mr. Perry’s sentencing hearing for Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 9 am. On April 7, 2023, a Travis County jury found Daniel Perry guilty of […]
April 7, 2023
Travis County, TX — On Friday, April 7, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Daniel Perry, 35, of Murder. For Mr. Perry’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, March 27, 2023, and testimony began on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. On Thursday, April 6, 2023, the jury began deliberating, and on Friday, April 7, 2023, found […]
April 5, 2023
TRAVIS COUNTY, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that on Wednesday, April 4, 2023, a Travis County Special Grand Jury had concluded its review of the May 26, 2022, shooting incident involving Austin Police Department Officers Derek Baroody # 8496, Travis Buck # 9397, Antonio Camps # 8513, Jennifer Perez Molina […]
April 4, 2023
TRAVIS COUNTY, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that a Travis County Special Grand Jury has concluded its review of the March 6, 2022, shooting incident involving Austin Police Department Officers Britton Taylor # 8615 and Charles Wesley # 9389 and did not return an indictment for the officers. On March […]
April 3, 2023
Travis County, TX – On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Jerome Yancey, 27, of Murder. For Mr. Yancey’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, March 27, 2023, and testimony began on the same day. On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Yancey guilty of Murder. On May […]
March 31, 2023
Condado de Travis, TX – El Equipo de la Feria de Cancelación de Antecedentes Penales recuerda a la comunidad que todavía hay tiempo para solicitar y precalificar para la 4ª Exposición del Condado de Travis organizada para el sábado 20 de mayo de 2023. El portal de solicitudes estuvo cerrado este fin de semana pasado, […]
March 31, 2023
TRAVIS COUNTY, TX — The Travis County Expunction Team reminds the community that there is still time to apply and prequalify for the 4th Travis County Expunction Expo taking place on Saturday, May 20, 2023. The application portal was closed this past weekend but has reopened until next Friday, April 7, 2023. Additionally, our offices […]
March 30, 2023
Travis County, TX – Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that our office filed a motion to dismiss the Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon case against Billy Faircloth based on insufficient evidence after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals granted post-conviction relief to Mr. Faircloth. On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, the Texas […]
March 21, 2023
TRAVIS COUNTY – On Thursday, March 16, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Blake Charles Washington, 57, of Manslaughter. For Mr. Washington’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, March 13, 2023, and testimony began the same day. On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Washington guilty of Manslaughter. On May 3, […]
March 16, 2023
TRAVIS COUNTY – On Thursday, March 9, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Frank Lee Nobles, 31, of Murder. For Mr. Nobles’ trial, jury selection started on Monday, March 6, 2023, and testimony began on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. On Thursday, March 9, 2023, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Nobles guilty of Murder. On […]
March 7, 2023
TRAVIS COUNTY — – On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Rickey Bee, 63, of Driving While Intoxicated Third Offense. For Mr. Bee’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, February 27, 2023, and testimony began on the same day. On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Bee guilty […]
March 6, 2023
Condado de Travis, TX – Hoy, el Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Travis José Garza, la Fiscal del Condado de Travis Delia Garza, la secretaria de Distrito del Condado de Travis Velva Price, y el concejal de Austin José Velásquez anunciaron que sus oficinas serán anfitrionas de otra Feria de Cancelación de Antecedentes Penales […]
March 6, 2023
TRAVIS COUNTY, TX – Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza, Travis County Attorney Delia Garza, Travis County District Clerk Velva Price, and Austin City Council Member José Velásquez announced that their offices will host another Expunction Expo to help residents clear their criminal records on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Residents who successfully complete the [...]
February 21, 2023
TRAVIS COUNTY, TX — On Friday, February 17, 2023, a Travis County jury could not reach a unanimous verdict in the murder trial of Kelly Lawrence Schernik, 40. For Mr. Schernik’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, February 13, 2023, and testimony began on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. On Friday, February 17, 2023, the jury […]
February 15, 2023
TRAVIS COUNTY, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that our office has filed a motion to dismiss the case against Chris Beard. After a careful and thorough review of the evidence, recent public statements, and considering Ms. Trew’s wishes, our office has determined that the felony offense cannot be proven beyond […]
February 14, 2023
Travis County District Attorney’s Office Provides Updates on Cases TRAVIS COUNTY, TX — On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, a Travis County jury acquitted Kenneth Cornelious Brown, 63, of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon by Threat. For Mr. Brown’s trial, jury selection started on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Brown […]
February 9, 2023
Travis County District Attorney’s Office Announces Charges Against Officer Alejandro Gaitan TRAVIS COUNTY — Today, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office filed an information charging Austin Police Department Officer Alejandro Gaitan with the offenses of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Assault with Bodily Injury, and Official Oppression as a result of the investigation of […]
February 2, 2023
Travis County, TX — Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza announced that Magen Fieramusca, 37, pled guilty to the murder of Heidi Broussard, 33, and received a sentence of 55 years to serve in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. As part of the plea, Mrs. Fiermusca waived her right to appeal, meaning that […]
January 23, 2023
A los Residentes del Condado de Travis, Les escribo para informarles sobre el trabajo que hicimos en 2022 para priorizar la seguridad de la comunidad y crear un sistema de justicia penal que funcione para todos, dos objetivos que pueden y deben coexistir. Estoy orgulloso de lo que logramos juntos, y yo sé que todavía […]
January 23, 2023
To Residents of Travis County, I am writing to update you on the work we did in 2022 to prioritize community safety and create a criminal justice system that works for everyone – two goals that can and must coexist. I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I know there remains […]
January 23, 2023
TRAVIS COUNTY, TX – Today, Travis County District Attorney José Garza released the 2022 Year-In-Review letter summarizing our office’s work to prioritize community safety and build a criminal justice system that is more accountable and equal for everyone. Last year, when jury trials restarted in March, our office prioritized trials in cases of violence to […]
January 20, 2023
TRAVIS COUNTY – On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, Christopher Michael Garcia, 19, pled guilty to Murder. On February 23, 2021, the Austin Police Department arrested and charged Mr. Garcia for the murder of Misael Robello Sanchez, 29, which took place on February 16, 2021. Mr. Garcia was indicted on May 10, 2021, with the offense […]
January 17, 2023
TRAVIS COUNTY, TX – On Thursday, January 12, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Alberto Torres, 33, of Capital Murder. For Mr. Torres’s trial, jury selection started Monday, January 9, 2023, and testimony began on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. On Thursday, January 12, 2023, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Torres guilty of Capital Murder. […]
November 16, 2021
November 16, 2021 Foreword We are gun violence prevention experts, advocates for public safety, survivors of gun violence, and community leaders who believe that prosecutors have an obligation to think about violent crime not only after it has happened, but to take action to prevent it from happening in the first place. The COVID-19 pandemic [...]