On November 8, 2020, 25-year-old Alex Arce was tragically shot and killed at an apartment complex near Barton Creek in Austin, Texas. The incident occurred around 7:27 a.m. when officers responded to a 911 call about a shooting. Upon arrival, they found Arce with a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving measures, Arce was pronounced dead at the scene approximately 15 minutes later.
The investigation revealed that Alex Arce and Jason Ray Hardison, 38, had engaged in a physical struggle over a gun. According to Hardison, Arce was attempting to remove the gun from the apartment when it accidentally discharged, striking Arce. Hardison was subsequently arrested and charged with manslaughter. He was booked into the Travis County Jail with a bond set at $20,000.
The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death. Detectives continued to investigate the case, urging anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward. The Austin Police Department emphasized that they were committed to finding justice for Alex Arce and ensuring that all relevant details were thoroughly examined.
The case drew significant attention due to the rising homicide rates in Austin, which had reached their highest levels in 20 years. The community and law enforcement agencies worked together to address the surge in violent crime and provide support to the victims' families.
In summary, the death of Alex Arce was a tragic result of a physical altercation over a gun, leading to manslaughter charges against Jason Hardison. The investigation highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing violent crime and the importance of community cooperation in solving such cases.
