2 Doctors Killed In Hourslong Austin Standoff Identified

AUSTIN, TX — A doctor was fatally shot by another physician during an hourslong standoff in Central Austin that concluded late Tuesday, police said.

The victim was identified as Katherine Lindley Dodson, 43, while the suspect was identified as 43-year-old Bharat Narumanchi. Police found both dead after a SWAT standoff inside the building at Children's Medical Group, a pediatric doctor's office at 1912 W. 35th St.

According to police, the standoff occurred just before 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Police said a caller told police Narumanchi had entered the building armed with a gun before taking people inside the building hostage. Those being held against their will either escaped or were allowed to leave, police said.

Police learned in their investigation that Narumanchi, a pediatrician, had been to the office a week ago, and had applied for a volunteer position. Police added Narumanchi was a pediatrician who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. Hostages told officers he was armed with a pistol and what appeared to be a shotgun and had two duffel bags.

Previous coverage: 2 Dead In Hourslong Austin Standoff At Children's Medical Group

"Other than the previously mentioned visit to this office there did not appear to be any relation or other contact between Dr. Dodson and Dr. Narumanchi," police said in a news release. The motive for the killing is unknown.

Hostage negotiators arrived on scene and attempted to make contact with Narumanchi to no avail, police said. After several attempts, police decided to breach the building with a robot after which police SWAT members entered and located both Dodson and Narumanchi dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

"It appeared that Dr. Narumanchi shot himself after shooting Dr. Dodson," police said, noting the case still was under investigation.

By Wednesday afternoon, the exterior of the medical clinic had been transformed into a makeshift memorial site as those who knew Dodson brought flowers and messages of condolences for the fallen doctor.

Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin released a statement: "Today, we received the sad news that our colleague and friend, K. Lindley Dodson, M.D., was killed in a tragic incident. Lindley was a faculty member in the Department of Pediatrics, a consummate advocate for children, a beloved pediatrician and a dear friend to many. We send our condolences to her loved ones and join our colleagues in the local health care community — along with countless families across Austin — in sadness and remembrance. We are committed to helping our colleagues and learners cope with this loss by providing counseling services and related support."

Reached via Twitter, noted Austin immigration and criminal defense attorney Chito Vela III was among those offering condolences. Vela told Patch the Children's Medical Group was where he took his children for doctor's visits. While Dodson was not the family's primary pediatric physician, she would often treat his kids when their main doctor was unavailable. "She was a very sweet doctor, great with kids and made my daughter feel very at ease when we visited," Vela wrote. "Attentive, compassionate, everything you want in a pediatrician. Heartbreaking."

District 35 Rep. Lloyd Doggett wrote a note of condolence on Twitter: "Last night, in a horrifying act of gun violence, one of our most skilled, compassionate pediatricians, Dr. Lindley Dodson, was held hostage and murdered at her Central Austin office. She provided care for our youngest 2 grandchildren & so many other children across the community."

District 49 Rep. Gina Hinojosa also reacted to the news, writing on Facebook she has taken her children to the clinic where the shooting occurred for more than 15 years. "Those of you who have children know that there is no more trusted relationship than that with your children's doctor, so this hits close to home for so many Austin families," Hinojosa wrote. "This is a tragic loss for our community, and my heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving family."

According to her LinkedIn page, Dodson was a full-time pediatrician and partner at Children's Medical Group from August 2017 to the present. Before that, according to the profile, she worked at Seton Healthcare Family in Austin for 10 years preceded by a year-long stint as an urgent care physician at the Boston Children's Hospital. On her profile, she lists her time as a medical school instructor from July 2006-07 at Harvard Medical School preceded by her time as a pediatric resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the Nashville area.

She completed her undergraduate education at Washington and Lee University, went to medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, and participated in a residency program at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, according to her profile.

A family living across the street from the medical clinic-turned crime scene launched a GoFundMedrive to support Children's Medical Group, the funds to be used at the clinic's discretion. At last check, the campaign had raised $14,513 of a $20,000 goal.

"My wife and I have taken our twins to Children's Medical Group ever since they were born, and we are devastated by the loss of Dr. Dodson," page creator Grant Powell wrote. "We watched the entire tragedy unfold last night while we sheltered in place and prayed for everyone's safety. When it all ended with an explosion and gunfire that shook our house, we hoped for the best. My wife and I both crumbled 30 minutes later when we heard the tragic news from the Austin Police Department. As much as we feel we are suffering, it is NOTHING compared to what Dodson's family and the other staff at CMG are going through."

As police continue to investigate, they ask that anyone with information contact detectives at (512) 974-TIPS, email homicide.apd@austintexas.gov, utilize the Crime Stoppers tip line at (512) 472-8477 (TIPS), or the Crime Stoppers app. Those with information have the option to remain anonymous. Tips also can be submitted by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android.

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