Austin’s first homicide of 2021 took place during the night on Monday in the St John neighborhood located in the triangle between US-290, I-35, and US-183. But the victim, Matthew Bocard, a Black male, 31 years old, was found with a gunshot wound two miles away at East US-290 frontage road.
The killing comes after after 48 homicides last year, the highest number in decades and a 33% increase from 2019. Homicides have also been rising in other Texas cities and nationwide.
According to a news release from the Police Department, officers responded to a call at approximately 1:37 am, in the 9200 block of E. U.S. 290. They found Bocard and attempted life-saving measures, but he succumbed to his wounds and died at 2:06 am.
“While on scene, officers learned that the shooting occurred in the 7000 block of Grand Canyon Drive,” the police stated. “APD homicide detectives and crime scene personnel arrived to process evidence at both locations.”
The motive for the shooting is unknown at this time and investigators are seeking witnesses. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.
