Dontra Jamol Kinsey, a 27-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically lost his life on August 22, 2020, in Austin, Texas. Kinsey was fatally shot during a BBQ gathering in the parking lot of the Pecan Springs Commons Apartments on Manor Road. The Austin Police Department received a 911 call around 7:30 p.m. reporting a man with a gunshot wound. When officers arrived, they found Kinsey lying on the ground and immediately began resuscitation efforts.
Despite their efforts, Kinsey was pronounced dead at Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas at 8:19 p.m.
The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Kinsey died from a gunshot wound. The Austin Police Department identified 27-year-old Antonio Joiner as the suspect in the shooting. Joiner was charged with first-degree murder and considered armed and extremely dangerous. A $1,000 reward was offered for information leading to Joiner's arrest. Detectives learned that numerous witnesses observed the incident but had not yet come forward.
On September 28, 2020, Joiner was arrested by the Austin Police Department. His trial began on April 3, 2023, and on April 13, 2023, a Travis County jury convicted Joiner of murder for Kinsey's death. Travis County District Attorney José Garza stated that the office is committed to holding people who commit acts of violence accountable and hoped the verdict would bring closure and peace to Kinsey's family.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in East Austin and the efforts of law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice. The community continues to grapple with the impact of such tragedies and the need for increased safety measures in the area.
