Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
On September 6, 2023, Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a welfare check call at the 2800 block of West Anderson Lane. Upon arrival, they found Troy Nicholas Cernosek unconscious and not breathing. Despite efforts by Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services and the Austin Fire Department, Mr. Cernosek was pronounced dead at 9:50 p.m.
The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Mr. Cernosek died from the "toxic effect of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and codeine." The investigation revealed that he had purchased fentanyl from Christopher Michael McDermott. McDermott was initially arrested on September 13, 2023, for an unrelated warrant but was released on bond as there was insufficient evidence to charge him in connection with Mr. Cernosek's death.
Further investigation involving video surveillance footage and witness statements confirmed McDermott's involvement in the case. Detectives executed search warrants on phones and social media accounts and identified a key witness who linked McDermott to Mr. Cernosek's death.
On November 25, 2024, APD Narcotics Support Unit detectives issued an arrest warrant for McDermott for Manufacture of Delivery of Controlled Substance Causing Death or Serious Bodily Injury, a third-degree felony. He was arrested on November 28, 2024.
Subsequently, on December 3, 2024, detectives executed a second warrant charging McDermott with Murder, a first-degree felony.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS or submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting www.austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.
This incident is being investigated as Austin's 75th homicide of 2023.
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