North Austin News

On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at approximately 11 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a shooting call in the 12200 block of Kelton Drive. The caller reported that a family member had been shot. Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (A/TCEMS) arrived on the scene and located the victim, later identified as Julian Hernandez, on a bed in the bedroom. Life-saving measures were attempted before Julian was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 12:45 p.m.

Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. During the initial investigation, a family member stated that Julian shot himself. However, the investigation was inconclusive regarding whether his gunshot wound was self-inflicted. Further investigation over the next few weeks indicated that Julian had been shot and killed by a family member. The family member later provided a statement saying they shot Julian by accident.

At this time, no formal charges have been filed; therefore, authorities are not releasing the name of the family member who shot Julian. The case is currently being reviewed with the Travis County District Attorney’s office.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.

This case is being investigated as Austin's 35th homicide of 2024.