Homicide Investigation at 7707 S. IH 35, Waters at Bluff Springs

Case:  26-1680790

Date:  Wednesday, June 17, 2026   
 
Time:  1:37 p.m.

Location:  7707 S. IH 35 (Waters at Bluff Springs)

Deceased victim: Francesca Ortiz, White female, 12/22/1985
 
On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 1:37 p.m., Austin Police (APD) officers responded to a call reporting a deceased person behind an apartment building at the Waters at Bluff Springs located at 7707 S. IH 35. Officers arrived to find a female lying in the grass behind the building who suffered visible injuries incompatible with life. This female was identified as Francesca Ortiz. Ortiz was pronounced deceased at 1:50 p.m.
 
APD Homicide Detectives and Austin Forensic Science Crime Scene Specialists responded to the scene. The investigation revealed that Ortiz was at the apartment complex earlier around midnight attempting to visit someone. Between that time and her body’s discovery, she suffered injuries resulting in her death and her body was left in the field behind one of the buildings. 
 
An autopsy was conducted the morning of June 18, 2026. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma.
 
Detectives are requesting any information from anyone who was in the area between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning or those with knowledge of the incident. Anyone with photos, videos, or other potential evidence is requested to share them with APD. You may submit materials by clicking here or scanning the QR code below.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Austin Police 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 29th homicide of 2026.