Donato Ward, a 20-year-old male tragically lost his life on October 1, 2020, in Austin, Texas. He was fatally shot in the parking lot of the Limestone Canyon Apartments in North Austin. Ward was found outside a silver vehicle that had crashed into a garage, and his cousin, who was also shot, was found near the garage. Both were transported to Dell Seton Medical Center, where Ward was later pronounced dead, and his cousin was treated and released.
The investigation into Ward's death revealed that the shooting was likely related to a dispute over a small amount of marijuana. Witnesses reported seeing a white sedan-style vehicle speeding away from the scene. The Travis County Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death to be homicide.
On October 23, 2020, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested 18-year-old Caylon Joseph Goins in Round Rock, Texas, in connection with Ward's murder. Goins was charged with first-degree murder and his bond was set at $750,000. Detectives continued to investigate the case, urging anyone with information to come forward.
The case remains an open investigation, with authorities offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The Austin Police Department has been actively seeking tips and evidence to bring justice for Donato Ward.
