Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | Facebook
Mayor Kirk Watson, City Of Austin | Facebook
The Austin Police Department and the Austin Fire Department responded to a fire at Pearl Lantana Apartments, located at 6401 Rialto Boulevard, on February 12, 2025. The call came in around 5:18 a.m., reporting white smoke coming from an apartment.
Upon extinguishing the fire, authorities discovered two deceased individuals inside the apartment. They were identified as Micaela Sanchez and Daniel Sanchez. Both bodies showed signs of trauma.
Homicide detectives, arson investigators, and crime scene specialists processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. The investigation revealed that Daniel Sanchez shot Micaela Sanchez before setting a fire in their apartment and garage. He then took his own life. Authorities have stated this is considered an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to public safety.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS or submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program via their website or by calling 512-472-8477.
This incident marks Austin's sixth homicide of the year.
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