A homicide in north Austin on Thursday morning turned a quiet group home into a scene of tragedy when 74-year-old Walter Connor was stabbed and later died at the hospital.
The Incident
At approximately 7 a.m., officers responded to a high-priority call on the 11100 block of Bending Bough Trail, near West Braker Lane. The call indicated a violent altercation had taken place at the group home where residents lived. When police arrived, they found the front door ajar and the interior in disarray. The scene was immediately secured, and a forensic team began collecting evidence while medical personnel assessed the victim. The rapid response by the Austin Police Department helped ensure that the investigation could proceed without delay.
Investigators determined that the victim had sustained multiple stab wounds to the chest and abdomen. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was declared deceased at 7:52 a.m. The time of death was recorded by the attending physician and confirmed by the department. The fact that the victim died only minutes after arrival underscores the severity of the injuries.
The officers also noted that the suspect had left the premises before they could apprehend him. However, a brief search of the area revealed a vehicle parked a short distance away, and the suspect was eventually located and brought back to the scene. The return of the suspect, who had initially fled, was a key development in the case.
The Victim
Walter Connor, 74, was a resident of the group home on Bending Bough Trail. According to the Austin Police Department, Connor had lived in the facility for several years and was known to the staff as a quiet and respectful individual. The department confirmed that he was found with injuries consistent with stab wounds, which led to his rapid transport to the hospital. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Connor died at 7:52 a.m. The death was attributed to the extent of his injuries, which were described as severe and life-threatening. The department has not released any additional details about Connor’s medical history or the circumstances that led to the assault.
The Suspect
Isaiah Jackson, 22, was identified by police as the suspect in the homicide. Jackson had been a roommate of Connor at the group home, and investigators found evidence linking him to the scene. Initially, Jackson left the home before officers arrived, but he returned shortly thereafter. The department says he was taken into custody without incident. Jackson faces a first-degree murder charge. No attorney has been listed online for him at this time, and the department has not released any statements from Jackson or his legal counsel. The arrest of Jackson is a significant development in the investigation, as it provides a clear focus for the department’s efforts to understand the motive and circumstances surrounding the killing.
The Investigation
APD is treating the case as Austin’s 52nd homicide of 2025. The department has opened a full investigation, which includes forensic analysis of the scene, review of surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and interviews with witnesses. The group home’s security system was examined for any recordings that might capture the altercation. Officers also collected DNA samples from the victim and the suspect, and a forensic pathologist performed an autopsy to confirm the cause of death and the nature of the wounds. The department is working closely with the Austin Medical Examiner’s Office to corroborate the time of death and to ensure that all evidence is properly documented.
APD has stated that the suspect was identified by police as Isaiah Jackson and that the suspect was taken into custody after returning to the scene. The department also clarified that Connor and Jackson were roommates, which may provide insight into the relationship between the two. The investigation continues, and officers are exploring possible motives, including personal disputes or other factors that could have led to the violent encounter.
Another homicide occurred on Wednesday night in north Austin, where a man died according to police. APD said there was no connection between that incident and the Thursday homicide. The department is continuing to investigate both cases separately, ensuring that each receives the appropriate level of scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
- 74-year-old Walter Connor was stabbed and died at 7:52 a.m. after being transported to the hospital.
- 22-year-old Isaiah Jackson, Connor’s roommate, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
- The case is Austin’s 52nd homicide of 2025, and investigators are examining forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and the relationship between the victim and suspect.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The Austin Police Department has emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that they will continue to update the public as new details emerge. The tragic loss of Walter Connor highlights the importance of community safety and the need for vigilance in shared living environments. As the investigation proceeds, authorities remain focused on uncovering the full story behind the homicide.
