In the early hours of a December morning, the life of Mark Anthony Harper, a 36-year-old man from the Austin area, was tragically cut short. On December 19, 2025, in a home in Pflugerville, Texas, a visit with a friend turned fatal. The events of that morning would leave a family grieving and a community in search of answers.
Mark, who was born in San Antonio and later settled in Pflugerville with his family, was a graduate of Pflugerville High School's class of 2007.
He was a dedicated employee of the City of Austin, working as a wastewater specialist. Known for his energetic and lively personality, he found joy in playing basketball and football, and peace in days spent fishing. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he remained an active and devoted churchgoer. Mark was a father to three children, De'Andre, Xena, and Princess Harper.
The circumstances that led to his death unfolded in the 2500 block of Forgetmenot Lane. Travis County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a call at approximately 2:34 a.m. about an altercation. At the scene, they found Mark Anthony Harper on the kitchen floor with a gunshot wound to his head; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The resident of the home, 36-year-old Joseph Javier Muniz, was identified as the caller.
According to court documents, Muniz claimed to both law enforcement and his father that Harper had attempted to choke him and his son, leading Muniz to shoot him. Investigators at the scene discovered two 9mm cartridge cases that appeared to have been fired, as well as a bloody Glock 9mm handgun. Following their investigation, Joseph Javier Muniz was arrested and charged with the murder of Mark Anthony Harper. He was subsequently booked into the Travis County Jail.
