On Saturday, January 4, 2025, at approximately 3:50 a.m., the Austin Police Department (APD) responded to reports of a fire at a transient camp in the green belt area near 1704 Nelms Drive in South Austin. Officers and the Austin Fire Department (AFD) firefighters arrived on the scene to find a tent fully engulfed in flames. Upon extinguishing the fire, they discovered the body of a deceased male inside the tent. The individual was pronounced dead at 5:03 a.m.
Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. The victim, who has yet to be identified, is believed to be a White or Hispanic male who was homeless and possibly known by the nickname “JT.” An autopsy conducted the following day revealed that the victim had sustained sharp force trauma, and the cause of death was ruled a homicide.
Authorities believe the fire may have been set intentionally in an attempt to cover up the murder. The APD Homicide Unit is actively seeking assistance from the public in identifying the victim and gathering any information related to potential suspects.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. Tips may be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for tips leading to an arrest.
This incident is being investigated as Austin’s first homicide of 2025.
