On October 15, 2016, Alexander Macias-Garcia, a 20-year-old Hispanic male, was found shot dead behind the wheel of a car on Wells Branch Parkway in Northeast Austin, Texas. His oldest brother, who was also in the car, was found wounded outside the vehicle. The brothers had been driving home after a night out when their car was followed by another vehicle, which eventually caused a crash and stopped their car.
The occupants of the other vehicle then opened fire on them, resulting in Alexander's death and his brother's injuries.
The investigation into Alexander's murder led to the arrest and indictment of two suspects: Jose Cruz Rivera and Henry Lopez Leon. Rivera and Leon were charged with the murder three years after the incident, following the submission of additional DNA evidence. In May 2022, Rivera pleaded guilty to the murder charge and was sentenced to 20 years in state prison. Leon, on the other hand, received a 10-year prison sentence after also pleading guilty.
The Macias-Garcia family has been vocal about seeking justice for Alexander, describing him as a happy soul who loved spending time at home with his guitar. They have urged anyone with information about the case to come forward and have set up a fundraising page to help cover funeral costs.
Despite the tragic loss, Alexander's memory lives on through the love and memories shared by his family and friends. The Austin Police Department continues to investigate the case, hoping to bring closure to the family and hold all responsible parties accountable.
