Crime
17-year-old Nathan Ockleberry killed in shooting outside North Brooke Plaza in Austin
On Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, at approximately 2:40 am, Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to reports of a shooting at 12636 Research Boulevard.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two males suffering from gunshot wounds in the parking lot.
One Fatality:
One of the victims, identified as Nathan Ockleberry, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene at 3:01 am.
The other injured male was transported to a local hospital by Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS). It was later discovered that a third male had also been shot, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
Escalating Incident:
Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists launched an investigation, interviewing witnesses and processing the scene.
Their findings suggest a large group gathered at the parking lot with multiple vehicles present. The situation unfortunately escalated into a shooting.
Suspect and Investigation:
The suspect, who remains unidentified, shot and killed Mr. Ockleberry before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing.
Seeking Information:
The Austin Police Department is actively seeking any information related to this shooting. If you have any details, you are urged to contact them at 512-974-TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program website (austincrimestoppers.org) or by phone at 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be offered for information leading to an arrest.
Crime
Father 19-year-old Gabriel Huerta killed his 9-month-old boy, before shooting himself in Pima County
On November 5, 2024, at around 5:00 p.m., deputies from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s Foothills District responded to a distressing call about suicidal threats in the 5500 block of North Shannon Road.
The caller reported that 19-year-old Gabriel Huerta had made alarming statements about self-harm to family members before leaving his home with his 9-month-old son in a red Ford Fusion, with his intended direction unknown.
Deputies were informed during their search that Huerta may be armed and had reportedly expressed intentions of harming both himself and his child.
Soon after, Huerta’s vehicle was located near Himmel Park, close to North Tucson Boulevard and East Hawthorn Street.
Deputies took strategic positions around the area, eventually locating Huerta. Despite repeated commands, Huerta fled on foot into a nearby alley.
Shortly after, deputies heard multiple gunshots from the alley’s direction.
They immediately located Huerta, who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as well as his infant son, who had also been shot multiple times.
Deputies performed emergency life-saving measures on both Huerta and his son using Individual First Aid Kits until paramedics arrived and assumed care.
Both were transported to a local hospital, where, tragically, the infant later succumbed to his injuries. Huerta remains unresponsive and in critical condition.
The investigation is being led by detectives from the Pima County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit, with support from the Robbery and Assault Team, Domestic Violence Unit, and Crimes Against Children Unit.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also assisted with a K9 unit to search for additional evidence, such as projectiles and casings. The case remains active, and further updates will be provided as the investigation develops.