Anthony Salas, a 20-year-old Hispanic man, was described by his mother as a pillar of strength who always protected his sisters and her. Born on Christmas Day, he brought joy to his family, who had already suffered the loss of Anthony’s father to murder earlier in the year. His mother said he had a beautiful smile and a personality that could make anyone laugh.
In the early morning hours of May 3, 2025, the Salas family was in their home in the Sun Chase neighborhood of Del Valle,
Texas, packing a car for Anthony’s sister. Within minutes of her stepping back inside, she realized the car was gone. Anthony immediately wanted to go find it. His mother, Robin Alba, pleaded with him to stay and call the police, but he left to try and recover the vehicle. "He did it to protect his family," she later said. A 911 call was placed at 2:58 a.m. reporting the theft.
Shortly after, at 3:21 a.m., the Austin Police Department received another 911 call about a person being hit by a vehicle near the intersection of Ross Road and Thome Valley Drive, close to Del Valle Elementary School. Investigators determined that Anthony had located the stolen car and confronted the suspects. During the encounter, he was shot and then struck by a vehicle, which killed him.
Homicide detectives responded to process multiple crime scenes and interview witnesses. The investigation revealed that the suspects had been caught on multiple surveillance cameras burglarizing vehicles throughout south and east Austin that same night. Police released images of the persons of interest and offered a reward for information leading to their arrest.
In May 2025, the Austin Police Department arrested two juvenile suspects, a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy. Both were charged with capital murder by terroristic threat in connection with Anthony’s death. Police confirmed the boys were the same individuals seen in the surveillance footage.
The investigation continued, and in early June 2025, a third suspect was identified. Members of the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force located another 13-year-old boy at a home in San Marcos. After a barricaded situation, the teen was arrested and charged with capital murder. A search of the home uncovered a .40-caliber pistol.
As of June 2025, three juveniles were in custody and charged with capital murder for the death of Anthony Salas. The case is proceeding through the justice system.
