Alfred Matthews, a 28-year-old male, was tragically shot and killed on July 18, 2016, in East Austin, Texas. Matthews was discovered on the ground with a gunshot wound at the Park Plaza apartment complex in the 6200 block of Loyola Lane. He was quickly transported to the University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:12 p.m.
The suspect in this case, Zachary Daniel Payne, a 21-year-old male, was arrested later that day and charged with murder.
Payne fled the scene after shooting Matthews but was eventually apprehended by Austin police officers. He was taken into custody and held at the Travis County Jail.
During the trial, Payne claimed he acted in self-defense. He testified that he was trying to retrieve a stolen bracelet when he confronted a group of people at the apartment complex. Payne stated that he pulled out his gun and began shooting only after his life was threatened. The jury deliberated for nine hours before acquitting Payne of murder and two aggravated assault charges, agreeing that he had acted in self-defense.
The case highlighted the ongoing concerns of violence in East Austin, with residents expressing fear and calling for increased police presence in the area. The Austin Police Department assured the community that they were working diligently to address these concerns and ensure safety for all residents.
This tragic incident and the subsequent legal proceedings underscore the complexities of self-defense claims and the impact of violence on communities. The acquittal of Payne left many questions unanswered and highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement and the justice system in addressing such cases.
