Jason Aranda, a 30-year-old man from Austin, Texas, tragically died on June 21, 2018. He was involved in a violent altercation that led to his death. Aranda had been in an altercation with his ex-girlfriend and a friend of hers, Cierra Powell, 24, at an apartment complex. After the altercation, Aranda drove away with his 13-year-old son in the car.
Powell followed him in her vehicle.
According to police reports, Aranda exited his car at the intersection of East Oltorf Street and Huntwick Drive, where Powell allegedly struck him with her car and shot him. Powell claimed that Aranda threatened her and attempted to attack her in her vehicle, but police could not verify her story. Witnesses reported seeing Aranda's body lying at the scene shortly after the incident.
Powell was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. She was held in the Travis County Jail on a $150,000 bond. During the investigation, a 9mm pistol and a fired cartridge casing were found in Powell's vehicle. The Travis County Medical Examiner ruled Aranda's death a homicide caused by a gunshot wound.
The case against Powell was dismissed pending further investigation in December 2019. The Travis County District Attorney's Office stated that they could not overcome Powell's self-defense theory. Despite the dismissal, the Aranda family and friends continue to seek justice for Jason, who was remembered as a loving father and friend.
Jason Aranda's death left a significant impact on his family, especially his four children, who were left to pick up the pieces after his tragic passing. His friends and family have shared stories and memories of him, hoping to keep his spirit alive.
