Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
On January 4, 2025, at approximately 3:50 a.m., the Austin Police Department (APD) responded to reports of a fire at a Persons Experiencing Homelessness camp in the green belt area near 1704 Nelms Drive. Upon arrival, officers and Austin Fire Department firefighters discovered a tent consumed by flames and found the body of Jonathan Salas. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 5:03 a.m.
The investigation revealed that Tomas Gonzalez had stabbed Salas and then set his body on fire to destroy evidence. An autopsy confirmed Salas sustained trauma, and his death was ruled a homicide due to sharp force injuries. On January 6, personnel from the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested Gonzalez.
On February 5, three warrants were issued for Gonzalez: one for first-degree murder, one for second-degree felony tampering with evidence, and one for third-degree tampering with evidence. He is currently in jail facing these charges. APD detectives are also investigating another murder charge against Gonzalez related to Austin's 19th homicide of 2022, which had been dismissed.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS," stated an APD spokesperson. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.
This case marks Austin's first homicide of 2025.
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