Police Seek To Solve Cold Case Stemming From East Austin Shooting

AUSTIN, TX — Police on Wednesday issued a plea to the public for help in solving a cold case centered on the 2013 shooting death of a man in East Austin.

The July 19, 2013, incident occurred at around 12:40 a.m. along the 3500 block of Gonzales Street, according to a police advisory. Upon arrival, officers said they found Roberto Reyna, 36, mortally wounded in the living room of his grandmother's house. The injured man was transported to University Medical Brackenridge hospital, where he was pronounced dead just before 1:30 a.m., police said.

According to the police account, a family member who was with Reyna at the time he was shot told police two men were swimming in the pool behind the residence when a vehicle pulled up in front of the house. The suspect exited the vehicle before walking towards the backyard, police said. Reyna exited the pool to speak with the unidentified suspect man for several minutes before the suspect produced a gun and fired, police said. Reyna and the family member fled into the house where the shooting victim collapsed, police added.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man estimated to be between five feet, seven inches and five feet, nine inches. He is described as either bald or with with very short hair at the time of the shooting. He has a medium build, and was last seen wearing a knee-length, black t-shirt and dark blue jeans.

Police noted Reyna owned an upholstery shop, and spent time teaching his younger cousins about the craft as he planned to pursue a business degree. At the time of his death, family members told police they were looking forward to visiting an area lake the following day to celebrate the victim's birthday.

Police said investigators spoke with witnesses, family members and acquaintances of the victim in an effort to identify the suspect. "At the time of this press release," police added, "all known leads have been exhausted."

Those with information are urged to contact detectives. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS (8477) or use the Crime Stoppers App. Crime Stoppers may offer a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest, police added. Those with information also can contact the APD Cold Case-Homicide Unit at apdcoldcasemissingpersons@austintexas.gov or submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.