This morning at approximately 9:35, Austin 9-1-1 received a call of a van crashing into the Red Roof Inn located at 8210 N. IH-35. The driver was seen running into the hotel. Upon their arrival, officers learned the vehicle had been stolen from the 1000 block of W. Rundberg Lane approximately 10 minutes before.

At 11:56 a.m., Austin 9-1-1 received a call of an attempted auto theft in the 8300 block of N. IH-35 at the Woodland Heights Apartments. A neighbor reported a man, matching the description of the individual from the hotel, attempting to steal his friend's vehicle in the parking lot. The neighbor alerted the vehicle owner and both men ran after the vehicle which had not yet left the parking lot. The men caught up to the suspect in an attempt to hold him for police. A fight ensued, but the men were able to maintain their hold. Officers arrived at 12:01 p.m. and took the suspect into custody at which time he was identified as murder suspect Emilio Ortiz.

One neighbor sustained minor injuries during the fight and was treated by Austin-Travis County EMS. Emilio Ortiz also sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical care.

Ortiz has been charged with first degree murder and has a $500,000 bond. Additional charges may be added after consultation with the District Attorney's Office.

The APD Homicide Unit is still seeking information about the female suspect described in the original release.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

Case:          19-2660062
 
Date:           Monday, September 23, 2019
 
Time:          12:54 a.m.
 
Location:    9010 Galewood Dr.
 
Deceased:   Matthew Jarrett Lee, Black male, 8-25-89
 
Suspect 1:      Emilio "Lelo" Ortiz, Hispanic male, 26 years of age
 
Suspect 2:      Unidentified Hispanic female, approximately 25 years of age
 
On Monday, September 23, at approximately 12:54 a.m., Austin 911 received multiple calls of shots fired at 9010 Galewood Dr. Callers updated 911 advising that a man was down in the parking lot. A good samaritan began life-saving efforts until police and Austin-Travis County EMS arrived on scene. Matthew Lee succumbed to his wounds at the scene. He was pronounced deceased by Dr. Escott at 1:26 a.m. 
 
Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel arrived on scene to begin the investigation. Detectives are currently speaking with witnesses and canvassing the area for other who may have witnessed the incident.
 
Based on preliminary information gathered, it does not appear there is a threat to the general public.
 
Detectives are asking anyone with video or information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or use the new Crime Stoppers App or email APD Homicide at homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. You may remain anonymous.You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android.