UPDATE: Homicide Investigation in the 200 block of Virtus Bend

UPDATE:
Through the investigation, it has been determined that the decedent did not know the homeowners and did not specifically target them to burglarize their home. Investigators believe the decedent may have been responsible for additional thefts and burglaries in the area. If you had property go missing between the evening of September 22 and early morning hours of September 23, 2026, and live in or near the area of Verrado and Peaceful Hill neighborhoods, please email Homicide.APD@austintexas.gov or call (512) 974-5210.

Original News Release:
Case: 26-2660184

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Time: 3:51 a.m.

Location: 200 block of Virtus Bend

Victim (Deceased): Dmario Antonie Jones, Black male, 05/09/2002

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 3:51 a.m., Austin Police (APD) officers responded to a report of a burglary in the 200 block of Virtus Bend. When officers arrived on the scene, they located a male, later identified as Dmario Antonie Jones, with apparent gunshot wounds. Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) arrived on scene and attempted life-saving measures, however, Mr. Jones succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 4:10 a.m.

APD Homicide Detectives and the Austin Forensic Science Crime Specialists responded to process the crime scene. The preliminary investigation determined that Mr. Jones entered a residence, proceeded into the bedroom, and was shot by the homeowner during the commission of the burglary. The homeowner was interviewed by detectives and has been fully cooperative with the investigation. The homeowner has since been released, and no charges have been filed at this time.

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 call 512-472-8477.
 
This case is being investigated as Austin's 43^rd homicide of 2026.