Josue Moreno, a 45-year-old man from Austin, Texas, tragically died on December 19, 2022, after being shot in the back of the head while driving his truck. His vehicle crashed into Lady Bird Lake, and he was pulled from the truck with a gunshot wound. The Austin Police Department determined that Moreno was not the intended target of the shooting, which occurred during a disturbance involving two groups of people.
Following the incident, the police launched an investigation that led to
the arrest of 18-year-old Joel Santiago Gonzalez-Paron. Gonzalez-Paron was charged with Moreno's murder after evidence linked him to the crime scene and other violent incidents in the area. According to the arrest affidavit, Gonzalez-Paron admitted to firing a shot at Moreno's truck, mistakenly believing it belonged to members of the opposing group.
The investigation revealed that shell casings found at the scene matched those from other unsolved shootings and an aggravated robbery. Police used surveillance video, vehicle tracking, and social media searches to track down witnesses and gather evidence. Gonzalez-Paron was taken into custody on January 26, 2023, for two aggravated robberies and later charged with Moreno's murder.
The case remains under investigation, and the Austin Police Department continues to search for additional suspects and gather more information. The community has been urged to come forward with any information that could help solve the case.
Josue Moreno's death has deeply affected his family and friends, who are seeking justice for the loss of their loved one. The ongoing legal proceedings and investigation highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing violent crime and ensuring accountability for those responsible.
