Austin police are looking for a person suspected of killing a man at a homeless camp in Southeast Austin on Saturday. The suspect allegedly set the man’s body on fire to hide the crime.
The victim, who might have gone by the nickname “JT,” has not yet been identified. He was a homeless male, possibly of white or Hispanic descent. This case is being investigated as the first homicide in Austin for 2025.
The police received reports of a fire at a homeless camp around 3:50 a.m. Saturday, near 1704 Nelms Drive. When officers and firefighters arrived, they found the body of a man near a tent that had been destroyed by fire.
An autopsy conducted the following day showed that the victim had sharp force injuries. Authorities believe the fire was set in an attempt to cover up the murder.
Police are asking anyone with information to come forward and help identify the suspect and the victim. People can contact the police department at 512-974-TIPS.
