In the early hours of Sunday, February 15, 2026, a burst of gunfire shattered the peace at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center in North Austin, leaving one man dead and another wounded. Jamal Southpark Elijah, a 32-year-old male, was pronounced deceased at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds. The incident, which unfolded at approximately 12:43 a.m., is being investigated by the Austin Police Department as the city's 9th homicide of the year.
According to police reports, Elijah was at the recreation center located at 1201 E. Rundberg Lane with a group of friends when they were confronted by another group of individuals. The confrontation escalated, resulting in the fatal shooting of Elijah and injuries to a second male. The second victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.
In the wake of the shooting, homicide detectives and crime scene specialists began an intensive investigation. The Austin Police Department has released surveillance footage showing several persons of interest and is urging anyone with information to come forward. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for any information that leads to an arrest in the case. Authorities are actively searching for the suspect or suspects responsible for the death of Jamal Elijah and the injury of the other victim. No arrests have been made at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.
