Case:  24-3480199
 
Date:  Friday, December 13, 2024
 
Time:  3:53 a.m.
 
Location:  500 block of Thrasher Lane
 
Deceased:  Erik Tijerina, Hispanic male, 02/15/1979

Arrested:   Johnny Ybarra, Hispanic male, 34 years of age
                    Manuel Medina, Hispanic male, 37 years of age

                       
                                                                                                                                                                                                           UPDATE:
The Austin Police Department (APD) has charged two suspects with Murder in connection to the homicide that occurred on Friday, December 13, 2024, in the 500 block of Thrasher Lane.

The investigation revealed that Johnny Ybarra and Manuel Medina exchanged gunfire during the incident. As a result of the exchange, an individual at the scene, identified as Erik Tijerina, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Ybarra was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon on December 13, 2024, in connection with the incident. 

On June 19, 2025, an arrest warrant for the charge of Murder was issued for Manuel Medina and Johnny Ybarra. At the time, Ybarra remained in custody at the Travis County Jail on the existing aggravated assault charge. Following the issuance of the warrant, a charge of Murder was added in addition to the original charge.

On June 25, 2025, Medina was taken into custody and charged with Murder. At this time, no additional suspects are believed to be involved.

This remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Austin Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Case:  24-3480199
 
Date:  Friday, December 13, 2024
 
Time:  3:53 a.m.
 
Location:  500 block of Thrasher Lane
 
Deceased:  Erik Tijerina, Hispanic male, 02/15/1979

On Friday, December 13, 2024, at approximately 3:53 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to the 500 block of Thrasher Lane for reports of a shooting. When officers arrived on the scene, they found one unresponsive male, later identified as Erik Tijerina, lying in the front yard with apparent gunshot wounds. Mr. Tijerina was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, and was later pronounced deceased on Sunday, December 15, at 2:50 p.m.
 
Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists responded to process the scene and interview witnesses. The initial investigation showed that multiple subjects had exchanged in gunfire, and struck Mr. Tijerina who was in the front yard of the residence. The investigation is ongoing.
 
Anyone with information should contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.
 
This case is being investigated as Austin's 69th homicide of 2024.