On January 11, 2021, 31-year-old Matthew Bocard was shot and killed in Northeast Austin, Texas. The incident occurred around 1:37 a.m. when officers responded to a call about a male with a gunshot wound in the 9200 block of E. U.S. 290 near Cameron Road. Despite attempts by Austin-Travis County EMS to save him, Bocard succumbed to his injuries. The Austin Police Department determined that the shooting took place nearby in the 7000 block of Grand Canyon Drive.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
Following the incident, APD launched a thorough investigation. On January 22, 2021, U.S. Marshals, in collaboration with APD, arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with Bocard's death. The suspect was charged with first-degree murder, and it was revealed that the altercation leading to the shooting was over stolen auto parts. The suspect was held on a $1 million bond in Travis County Jail. However, the murder charge was dismissed on April 16, 2021, pending further investigation.
The investigation into Matthew Bocard's death has been extensive, with APD processing evidence from both the scene of the shooting and the location where Bocard was found. Bocard was with his girlfriend at the time of the incident, and she has been cooperating with the authorities. The case remains open, and APD continues to seek information from the public, offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of any additional suspects.
The tragic death of Matthew Bocard has left a significant impact on the community, and the ongoing investigation reflects the dedication of law enforcement to uncovering the truth behind this senseless act of violence.
