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Austin's homicide count jumped up to 55 for the year, with three homicides under investigation from this week alone, putting 2021 as the highest year for murder cases in almost 40 years.
After an already record-breaking year of homicides in 2020—48 cases total—this year's murder count so far is only topped if you go back to 1985, which had 52 homicides for the whole year.
The Austin Police Department most recently responded to a shooting on Saturday afternoon at the 12000 block of the Interstate 35 northbound service road. The victim, a woman who was not identified, had already suffered what appeared to be a gunshot wound when they arrived and was pronounced dead on scene according to officer Matthew Bullock.
APD officers are currently investigating a homicide in the 12000 Block of S IH 35 SVRD SB. Media please stage at Walnut Park Crossing and Park Thirty Five Circle. PIO is en route. - PIO8
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) September 4, 2021
Police are currently working leads and believe it could have been a result of road rage, though there is no other information. Police believe it was an isolated incident with no danger to the public but there is no suspect in custody as of yet.
APD responded to two unrelated shootings on Wednesday, for a total of three homicides this week.
The first occurred on the 2100 block of Burton Drive around midnight—officers responded to find a 34-year-old Terry Ray Fisher with gunshot wounds and injuries from being run over by a car, police said in a statement. Fisher was pronounced deceased despite life-saving measures.
The second shooting occurred an hour later on East Riverside Drive and South Pleasant Valley Road, where a 67-year-old man was found dead in a tent. Police did not release any other details.
Editors note: The headline for this story was changed on Sept. 5 at noon to reflect the story accurately.
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Popular
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Show your love for Tito's and for the community this year with a wide selection of not that ugly, uglyish, ugly, uglier, and ugliest holiday sweaters.
There's lots choose from, and plenty of accessories like scarves and socks, plus gear for your dog, too.
All of the items can be purchased online or at the Love, Tito’s Retail Store in Austin, TX. 100% of all net proceeds from online or in-store purchases go to one of the nonprofits we’ve teamed up with.
Click here to see the entire collection in the Tito's store.
🗓 All weekend
Check out this highly anticipated art exhibition with illuminated art along Waller Creek. Tickets are free and the event includes food vendors, dazzling lights, live music, and hands-on activities
All weekend 6 p.m - 10 p.m | 📍Waterloo Park
This iconic holiday tradition lights up for the first time this holiday season starting this weekend! Reserve your spot for an enchanting light and sound performance, delicious hot cocoa, sweet treats, and some overall fun with your friends or family. The show runs till January 6th.
6 p.m and 9 p.m | 📍Mozart's Coffee Roasters - 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
🗓 Saturday
This fitness event is free and open to the public. Get your morning started right with a "Fitness in the park" class for kickboxing! The class will be led by certified instructors and is a great way to get a cardio workout in while also honing your self-defense skills.
10 a.m - 11 a.m | 📍 Metz Park
Support local LBGTQ+ and female artists at this outdoor market with over 150 vendors. Get your holiday shopping out of the way at this event, with vendors for food trucks, handmade goods, raffles, hands on workshops and activities, and more.
Did someone say cheese?! If you're like me and always willing to get your hands on a bowl of mac and cheese, then this event is for you. Check out the Mac and Cheese festival happening this weekend to decide which vendor has. the best mac and cheese for yourself, and enjoy the bar with creative cocktails while you're at it. Tickets start at $45.
11 a.m - 3 p.m | 📍Lantana Place - 7415 Southwest Parkway
