Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
On October 21, 2024, the Austin Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at the Bridge at Harris Ridge Apartments on East Howard Lane. Officers arrived shortly after 6:01 p.m. and found Za’Riyah Sheffield with gunshot wounds. She was declared deceased at 6:09 p.m.
Homicide detectives and crime scene specialists investigated the incident. Their findings revealed that a verbal altercation had occurred between Sheffield and a 16-year-old male suspect, reportedly over her looking at him. The confrontation escalated, resulting in Sheffield being shot in the parking lot. The suspect fled but later returned and was apprehended by police.
The juvenile suspect has been charged with first-degree murder. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Austin Police Department or submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest.
This incident marks Austin's 54th homicide of the year.
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