Austin Lee Deweerdt, a 33-year-old white male from Tyler, Texas, tragically passed away on May 30, 2022. Deweerdt was involved in a fatal altercation with 29-year-old Christopher Ryan Henry from Flint, Michigan. According to police reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at Deweerdt's residence in the 800 block of Pinedale Place. The altercation began when Henry came to Deweerdt's house to retrieve Xanax from Deweerdt's girlfriend.
The situation escalated quickly, with both men arguing and eventually wrestling on the ground.
During the struggle, Henry pulled out a handgun and threatened Deweerdt. Deweerdt retrieved his own handgun but did not use it. Despite Deweerdt's attempts to defuse the situation and allow Henry to leave, Henry continued to yell and refused to leave. The confrontation ended tragically when Henry shot Deweerdt multiple times, ultimately leading to his death. Deweerdt's girlfriend called 911, and Henry was later arrested and charged with murder.
Henry turned himself into the authorities on June 3, 2022, and was booked into the Smith County Jail on a $1 million bond. The case was forwarded to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office for further legal proceedings. Security footage and witness statements played a crucial role in the investigation, highlighting inconsistencies in Henry's account of the events.
The loss of Austin Lee Deweerdt has deeply affected his family, friends, and the community in Tyler, Texas. Deweerdt was remembered as a kind-hearted and loving person who was passionate about hunting, fishing, and spending time with his son. His passing has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him.
