UPDATE: Arrest Made in Homicide Investigation in the 400 block of N. IH 35

UPDATE:

Case:  25-900116

Date:  March 31, 2025

Time:  1:51 a.m.

Location:  400 block of N. IH 35

Victim (Deceased):  Rex Johnson, Black male, 11/4/1991

Suspect (Arrested):  Kent Outten 33 years of age

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Austin Police Department (APD) homicide detectives arrested Kent Outten, 33 years of age, in connection with the murder of Rex Johnson. Outten was charged with Murder. 

Following the death of Mr. Johnson on March 31, 2025, a shooting occurred on April 9, 2025, in the 1000 block of East Cesar Chavez. After interviewing the victims and reviewing video surveillance, detectives determined that the suspect in Mr. Johnson’s murder was also responsible for the subsequent shooting.

We extend our gratitude to the members of the Austin community who spoke with detectives and helped identify the suspect, as well as to the Texas Lone Star Fugitive Task Force for their critical assistance in the arrest of Outten.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Case:   25-900116

Date:   March 31, 2025

Time:  1:51 a.m.

Location:   400 block of N. IH 35

Deceased (victim):   Rex Johnson, Black male, 11/4/1991

Video:   You Tube Channel

On March 31, 2025, at approximately 1:51 a.m., the Austin 9-1-1 received a call reporting a shooting incident in the 400 block of N. IH 35. When Austin Police Department (APD) officers arrived, they discovered an unresponsive male, later identified as Rex Johnson, with apparent gunshot wounds. Mr. Johnson was transported to a local hospital, where he later died on April 3 at 1:15 p.m.

Aggravated Assault Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists responded to process the scene and interview witnesses. Preliminary investigations revealed that Mr. Johnson was standing next to his blind friend who was using a cane when two Black male suspects approached them. One suspect assaulted Mr. Johnson knocking him to the ground, while the second suspect shot him. Both suspects fled east from the intersection immediately after the shooting.

Suspect #1 is described as:

• Black male
• Slim built
• Long black hair
• He was last seen wearing a white shirt, dark shorts, and dark shoes.

Suspect #2 is described as:

• Black male
• Medium built
• He was last seen wearing a cap, long black sleeves shirt, gray shorts, and white and black shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to 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 12th homicide of 2025.