The Austin Police Department (APD) is proud to announce that the Homicide Unit has achieved a 100% clearance rate for all homicides committed in 2023, marking the first time this milestone has been reached in nearly two decades. The final arrest, made on May 7, 2025, in connection with APD case 23-2870205 from October 14, 2023, secured the unit’s complete resolution of all 2023 homicide investigations. 
 
This is the first time since 2005 that APD has reached a 100% homicide clearance rate in a calendar year. That year, Austin recorded 26 homicides, all of which were solved. In comparison, 2023 had 75 homicides, making this achievement even more significant given the increased volume and complexity of modern-day investigations. The national homicide clearance rate for 2023 is 57.8%.  
 
Even in cases where suspects were not immediately identified, detectives pursued every lead, from canvassing video footage and interviewing witnesses, to developing forensic evidence. Detectives have continued to work on these cases, for months and sometimes even years, making sure every investigative avenue has been fully explored in order to bring justice to the family of the victims in these tragic incidents.  
 
“We feel this achievement is a reflection of our community who cares about justice and holding their fellow citizens accountable for taking the lives of others. This in turn has helped make our community a safer place,” said APD Homicide Sergeant Nathan Sexton. “This is a proud moment for our Unit. Reaching this level of resolution is a reflection of the dedication, innovation, and relentless pursuit of justice for the families of homicide victims.”  
 
A Collaborative Effort 
 
While the Homicide Unit led the investigations, this achievement would not have been possible without critical support from other units and law enforcement partners. Notably:

• The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force/Tactical Intelligence Unit (Tac Intel) provided immediate, sustained support from the outset of investigations. They assisted in locating suspects, conducting background research, and preserving vital evidence.

• APD Patrol Officers played an essential role by responding rapidly to homicide scenes, often apprehending suspects and securing key evidence in the crucial first moments.

• The Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) typically focused on robberies, assisted in numerous homicide investigations throughout the year.

• The Narcotics Support Unit (NSU) was instrumental in filing two 2023 murder charges related to fentanyl overdoses.

• The Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) provided invaluable technical support, especially in accessing digital devices, often unlocking crucial information.

• The Aggravated Assault Unit led the investigations in four 2023 homicide cases, showcasing their depth of experience and adaptability.

Assistance also came from outside agencies including the Travis County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and other surrounding local law enforcement departments. 
 
The Keys to Success 
 
Beyond the hard work of the APD Homicide Unit, which includes 16 detectives and two sergeants, a number of factors contributed to this historic clearance rate:

• Public Assistance: Tips from our community played a pivotal role in solving several cases. The APD Homicide Unit would not have been able to find justice for the families of murder victims without the help of our community.

• More Resources and Training: The addition of more detectives, paired with continuing education in technology and investigative strategies, has bolstered the unit’s effectiveness.

• Advanced Technology: Improved access to forensic tools, DNA processing, and digital evidence recovery significantly increased the unit’s ability to identify and charge suspects.

• Detective Dedication: APD Homicide personnel are selfless in their sacrifice and commitment to bringing closure to the victims of these tragic crimes. They work tirelessly to bring the facts of the cases to light and partner with the Travis and Williamson County District Attorney’s Offices to prosecute these violent offenders successfully.

Recent Clearance Rates

APD’s Homicide Unit has consistently maintained one of the highest clearance rates in the nation, even as homicide numbers have risen over the years:

• 2024: 67/71 – 94%

• 2023: 75/75 – 100%

• 2022: 68/71 – 96%

• 2021: 81/90 – 90%

• 2020: 46/48 – 96%

• 2019: 35/37 – 95% 

• 2018: 32/35 – 91%

• 2017: 28/30 – 93%

• 2016: 36/40 – 90%

• 2015: 26/28 – 93%

• 2014: 25/31 – 81%

• 2013: 23/25 – 92%

• 2012: 33/34 – 97%

• 2011: 24/27 – 89%

• 2010: 35/38 – 92%

• 2009: 20/22 – 91%

• 2008: 21/23 – 91%

• 2007: 28/30 – 93%

• 2006: 15/20 – 75%

• 2005: 26/26, 100%

These numbers reflect the department’s ongoing commitment to solving violent crimes and bringing justice to victims and their families. 
 
The APD Homicide Unit would like to remind our community that taking someone’s life is a crime that will not be tolerated in the City of Austin. The APD Homicide Unit is committed to the continuation of solving these crimes for the victims, for their families, and for a safer Austin.