In a verdict that brings closure to a tragic downtown Austin shooting, 21-year-old Vicente Reveles was found guilty of murder and deadly conduct for the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Michael Carothers Jr. on October 9, 2021.
Background of the Incident
Around 1:17 a.m. on October 9, 2021, Austin Police officers were conducting a DWI investigation near Fifth and Sabine Streets when they heard “multiple gunshots” toward East Sixth Street. Upon arrival, the officers observed a confrontation between two groups of men. A few minutes later, they located Michael Carothers Jr. with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Legal Proceedings
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office charged Vicente Reveles with aggravated assault and discharge of a firearm on February 23, 2022. The Austin Police Department filed the initial arrest and charge following the shooting. On March 30, 2023, the DA’s office indicted Reveles for the crime.
Reveles was found guilty on December 12, 2023. The conviction was for two separate offenses: murder, a first-degree felony, and deadly conduct, a third-degree felony. The DA’s office announced the verdict and the sentencing dates.
Sentencing Details
Reveles received a 30-year sentence for murder and an additional 10-year sentence for deadly conduct. The sentences will run consecutively, meaning they will be served one after the other. The total time in prison amounts to 40 years.
The sentencing reflects the severity of the offenses and the impact on the victim’s family and the Austin community. KXAN will reach out to Reveles’ attorney for a comment, and the story will be updated if a response is provided.
Impact and Community Response
The shooting left a lasting imprint on downtown Austin. The victim, Michael Carothers Jr., was a 17-year-old resident of the area. His death prompted an outpouring of grief from friends, family, and community members. The incident also spurred discussions about gun violence and public safety in the city.
Police officials emphasized that the swift arrest, indictment, and conviction demonstrate the city’s commitment to holding gun-related offenders accountable. The DA’s office highlighted the importance of a transparent legal process in restoring public trust.
Key Takeaways
- Vicente Reveles, 21, convicted of murder and deadly conduct for the 2021 shooting of Michael Carothers Jr.
- Sentences: 30 years for murder (first-degree felony) and 10 years for deadly conduct (third-degree felony), to be served consecutively.
- Incident occurred at 1:17 a.m. on October 9, 2021, near Fifth and Sabine Streets, involving a confrontation between two groups.
- Arrest filed on February 23, 2022; indictment on March 30, 2023; conviction on December 12, 2023.
The verdict marks a significant moment in Austin’s ongoing efforts to address gun violence and ensure justice for victims and their families. The community continues to seek ways to prevent such tragedies in the future while honoring the memory of those lost.
