Crime
20-year-old Matthew Escalante killed after shooting in east Austin
The Austin Police Department (APD) is actively investigating a homicide that occurred in East Austin last week, involving the death of 20-year-old Matthew Escalante.
Officers initially responded to a report of a gunshot victim in the 2600 block of Rosewood Avenue at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 7.
Upon arriving, officers found Escalante suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital but, despite medical efforts, he passed away on November 8.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Escalante had gone to meet someone when he was suddenly ambushed and shot by an unidentified suspect.
The shooter then fled the scene, accompanied by additional suspects, according to APD.
This incident has been classified as Austin’s 58th homicide of 2024.
Detectives are urging anyone with information regarding the suspects or the events leading up to the shooting to come forward to aid in their ongoing investigation.
The APD requests that individuals with potential leads contact them directly at 512-974-TIPS.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program, either by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be offered for information leading to an arrest in this case.
Crime
Ohio Shooting Leaves Suspect and 4-Year-Old Girl Dead, Officer Injured
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY, OH – A tragic shooting incident in Calcutta on Wednesday afternoon resulted in the deaths of a suspect and a 4-year-old girl, while a police officer remains hospitalized after undergoing surgery.
According to St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie, officers responded around 2 p.m. to reports of a suicidal male walking down the street with a firearm.
Upon locating the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Joseph Como, officers attempted to make contact.
“Almost immediately, the man pulled a weapon and opened fire on my officers,” McKenzie stated. “Officers returned fire, striking the suspect.”
During the exchange of gunfire, 4-year-old Rosalie Carey, who was inside a nearby business, was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
She was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries later in the evening, authorities confirmed.
Como was also fatally wounded during the shootout and pronounced dead at the scene.
One St. Clair Township police officer Dakota Wetzel sustained gunshot wounds and was airlifted to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Chief McKenzie reported that the officer is currently in stable condition and is receiving medical care.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our injured officer and the family of the young girl whose life was tragically lost,” McKenzie said. “Right now, we are working diligently to gather all the facts and keep the community informed.”
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has assumed responsibility for the case and is conducting a thorough review of the incident. Counselors have been made available to support the officers involved.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the St. Clair Township Police Department.