Juan Angel Zapata, a 38-year-old Hispanic man, was found dead near Onion Creek Greenbelt in Austin, Texas, on March 17, 2019. His body was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds, and the Travis County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide. Zapata was a supervisor at Catedral Del Marisco restaurant, and his absence from work raised immediate concern among his colleagues.
The investigation revealed that Zapata had been in a relationship with 20-year-old Juan Eduardo Rendon, who
became the primary suspect in the case. According to police reports, Zapata and Rendon had been arguing the day before his death, and Zapata had expressed fear for his safety, mentioning that Rendon had previously threatened to kill him if he ever tried to leave. On the day of his death, Zapata was seen leaving work with Rendon, and his body was found about 20 hours later.
Rendon was charged with first-degree murder, and authorities believe he may have fled to Mexico. Detectives sought a provisional arrest warrant for Rendon, and the investigation continued to gather evidence and locate him. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the relationship and the violent circumstances surrounding Zapata's death.
The Austin Police Department urged anyone with information about Rendon's whereabouts to come forward, emphasizing that he could be armed and dangerous. The community and Zapata's colleagues mourned his loss, describing him as a dedicated employee and a beloved friend.
The tragic death of Juan Angel Zapata highlighted the importance of addressing domestic violence and ensuring the safety of individuals in abusive relationships. The ongoing investigation aimed to bring justice for Zapata and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
