Joseph Anthony Aguilar Campos, a 32-year-old Hispanic male, tragically died on June 28, 2019, in Austin, Texas. Campos was found unresponsive in a car that had crashed into a tree in a parking lot on North Lamar Boulevard. He had sustained a gunshot wound, and despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Travis County Medical Examiner’s office later ruled his death a homicide.
The incident occurred during what appeared to be a robbery attempt.
Witnesses reported that Campos and two other Hispanic men were involved in a confrontation with another group of individuals in the parking lot. During the altercation, John Paul Rivera Jr., a 35-year-old convicted felon, admitted to shooting Campos as he attempted to flee in a silver Nissan. Rivera was arrested on July 1, 2019, and charged with first-degree murder.
The motive behind the shooting was believed to be related to a drug deal gone wrong. Campos was reportedly attempting to restock a supply of crystal methamphetamine when the confrontation occurred. Rivera, who was in a white sedan with two other individuals, fired multiple shots, ultimately leading to Campos' death.
Rivera now faces serious legal consequences for his actions. He was held on a $300,000 bond and the case remains under investigation. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
This tragic event highlights the dangers associated with drug-related activities and the severe consequences that can arise from such confrontations. The loss of Joseph Anthony Aguilar Campos serves as a somber reminder of the impact that violence and crime can have on individuals and communities.
