Austin Michael Salyer, a 20-year-old male, tragically lost his life on September 16, 2021, in San Marcos, Texas. Austin, who was a junior at Texas State University, was asleep in his bed when he was struck by a bullet fired by his neighbor, Gabriel Brown. The bullet passed through a shared wall, went through both of Austin's lungs, and lodged in his right arm.
Despite managing to crawl across the room, Austin succumbed to his injuries.
Gabriel Brown, who was 24 years old at the time, claimed that the shooting was accidental. He stated that he was attempting to modify his gun while talking on the phone with his father when it discharged. Brown turned himself in to the police but was not immediately arrested. He was later indicted and pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide. Initially sentenced to 180 days in jail, his sentence was later reduced to 90 days.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for a review of the sentencing. Austin's parents, Rodney and Bonnie Salyer, have expressed their grief and frustration, stating that the sentence does not reflect the severity of the crime. They have been left to cope with the loss of their only child and the future they had envisioned with him.
In addition to the criminal case, the Salyer family has filed a civil lawsuit against Gabriel Brown, his father Gregory Keith Brown, and Brown's girlfriend, Chantel Monique Veal. The lawsuit alleges negligence and gross negligence, claiming that all parties had an opportunity to call authorities or get help for Austin but failed to do so. The family is seeking more than $1 million in damages.
Austin Salyer was a dedicated student studying criminal justice and military science. He had recently signed a contract with the Army and had aspirations of serving his country and community. His untimely death has left a void in the lives of his family and friends, who remember him as a wonderful, fun-loving young man with a zest for life.
