Jesús Garza, Interim City Manager | City of Austin website
Jesús Garza, Interim City Manager | City of Austin website
A tragic incident unfolded at the 11200 block of Research Boulevard in Austin, Texas, leading to the death of Jose Rubio, a Hispanic male born on April 29, 1988. The suspect, Javier Vega-Funes, a 29-year-old Hispanic male, has been arrested in connection with the crime.
According to the Austin Police Department (APD), the events transpired on Monday, April 22, 2024, around 5:58 p.m. Multiple callers reported the incident, with one witness stating they saw a man running and shooting. Another caller mentioned a shooting near the back of an apartment complex, while a third witness reported a shooting by the HEB.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Jose Rubio with gunshot wounds at the intersection of 183 Southbound and Balcones Woods Drive. Unfortunately, Rubio was pronounced dead at the scene. Another victim, David Cerda-Funes, was dropped off at a local hospital by an unidentified woman driving a Chevrolet Tahoe. The woman swiftly left the hospital after dropping off Cerda-Funes.
Further investigation led officers to the Tahoe in the hospital parking lot, where they found Javier Vega-Funes. Vega-Funes attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by the authorities. It was later revealed that Cerda-Funes was actually Vega-Funes's brother.
The subsequent inquiry unveiled a distressing sequence of events. Jose Rubio had shot David Cerda-Funes at 11215 Research Boulevard before leaving on foot. Javier Vega-Funes then assisted his injured brother into the Tahoe and pursued Rubio. Vega-Funes ultimately shot Rubio on the southbound frontage road of Highway 183 at the Balcones Woods Drive intersection.
Javier Vega-Funes has been charged with 1st Degree Murder, and David Cerda-Funes remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The Austin Police Department urges anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program for a possible reward of up to $1,000. The authorities can be reached at 512-974-TIPS or through austincrimestoppers.org.
This tragic incident marks Austin's 16th homicide of 2024, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and community cooperation in ensuring public safety.
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