At a Glance
- Austin police are probing a possible first 2026 homicide after a victim with chest trauma was found near a New Year’s Eve party.
- The incident occurred at the strip mall 7801 N Lamar Blvd., Suite B148.
- Investigation details and the victim’s identity remain undisclosed.
- Why it matters: It could be the earliest homicide in Austin after the New Year, adding to the city’s 2025 homicide count.
Austin police are investigating a possible first homicide of 2026 after a victim with chest trauma was found near a New Year’s Eve party in North Austin. The case has drawn attention because it may mark the earliest reported homicide after the holiday, and it is part of a broader trend of declining homicide numbers in recent years.
Investigation Details
Police received a 911 call about a disturbance at 1:30 a.m. Responding officers attempted CPR, but the victim was pronounced dead at 1:45 a.m. Details about the cause of death and the victim’s identity have not been released.
Austin PD Cpl. Matthew Nonweiler stated:
> “At the very beginning stages of an investigation, they don’t want to release manner of death, weapon of death as it might hinder the investigation.”
Homicide Statistics
The city’s homicide counts over recent years:
| Year | Homicides |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 90 |
| 2022 | 71 |
| 2023 | 75 |
| 2024 | 72 |
| 2025 | 55 |
The 2025 count is the lowest in the past five years, and the 2024 number was down from 2023 but up from 2022. A homicide was also reported on January 1 of last year, but that incident occurred in the evening.
Key Takeaways
- The case could be the earliest homicide in Austin after the New Year.
- The victim’s identity and cause of death remain undisclosed.
- Homicide numbers in Austin have been declining, with 55 recorded in 2025.
The investigation continues as Austin police work to determine whether the death was a homicide and to identify any potential suspects.
