Andre Lanier Davis Jr., a 47-year-old African American man, was tragically killed on April 9, 2019, in Austin, Texas. The incident occurred at Givens Park, located at 3911 E. 12th St., around 10:45 p.m. Davis was playing dominoes with his friends when he was approached by one or more individuals who attempted to rob him. Despite complying with their demands, Davis was shot and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The Travis County Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy and ruled his death a homicide.
The investigation into Davis's death revealed that robbery was the likely motive behind the shooting. The Austin Police Department responded to the scene and found Davis with obvious trauma to his body. Witnesses reported seeing suspects leaving the area in a black Nissan car. The case remained unsolved for several weeks, causing distress and frustration among Davis's family and the East Austin community, who knew him as "Big Dre from 12th Street."
On May 30, 2019, police arrested 25-year-old Glenn Madison Deal Jr. in connection with the murder of Andre Lanier Davis Jr. Deal was charged with capital murder and held at the Travis County Jail with a $300,000 bond. According to an affidavit, a witness to the shooting came forward and provided a statement to the police. The witness, who was playing a dice game at the park on the night of the shooting, identified Deal as one of the suspects. The witness recounted that Deal and another unidentified suspect approached the group, pointed guns at them, and stole a large quantity of cash. After the robbery, Deal and the other suspect returned to the park and robbed a group of people playing dominoes, during which Davis was shot.
Despite the arrest of Deal, the investigation into Davis's murder continued, as police sought to identify and apprehend the second suspect involved in the robbery and shooting. The APD Cold Case Unit has since requested the public's help in solving the case, urging anyone with information to come forward. The community's desire for justice remains strong, as they remember Davis as a beloved figure who was known for his presence and contributions to the East Austin neighborhood.
