JOINT RELEASE: Austin Police and Bastrop Police Investigate Two Connected Homicides 

APD Victim (Deceased): Desiree Gauna, White female, 11/21/1998

BPD Victim (Deceased): Mariana Montoya Palacios, 06/07/2006

Suspect (Deceased): Manuel Salgado Vasquez, Hispanic male, 03/24/2004
 
The Austin Police (APD) and the City of Bastrop Police Department are investigating two connected homicides involving two women in Bastrop and Austin.

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, 22-year-old Manuel Salgado of Cedar Creek, Texas, met with his former girlfriend, 20-year-old Mariana Montoya Palacios, at Fisherman’s Park in Bastrop. The two had previously been in a romantic relationship.

While at the park, Salgado shot Palacios at close range, fatally striking her. Salgado then shot himself. Bastrop Police officers responded to the scene and found Salgado suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Palacios was pronounced deceased at the scene. Salgado later died from his injuries on Tuesday, September 15, at 2:58 p.m.

On Tuesday morning, September 15, at approximately 8:26 a.m., Austin Police officers responded to a residence at 744 W. William Cannon Drive for a welfare check on 27-year-old Desiree Gauna. A family member had reported being unable to reach her.

Officers entered the residence and found Gauna deceased with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. She was pronounced deceased at 8:49 a.m.

APD Homicide Detectives and Austin Forensic Science Crime Scene Specialists responded to the scene. During the investigation, detectives learned that Gauna had been living with Salgado. Detectives also determined that Gauna had stopped communicating with others on Sunday afternoon, September 13. Salgado did not go into work on Sunday, September 13, and his whereabouts were still unknown continuing into Wednesday, September 16. A check of his vehicle ultimately resulted in discovering it was at a wrecker yard in Bastrop.

As APD detectives continued investigating Gauna's death, they learned of the shooting in Bastrop involving Salgado and Palacios. Investigators determined that Salgado had been romantically involved with both women.

Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe Salgado was responsible for both women's deaths. The investigation into Gauna's death remains open as detectives work to complete the case.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate threat to someone's safety, call 911.