On September 8, 2024, at approximately 5:55 p.m., the Austin Police Department (APD) responded to a disturbance call in the 2500 block of Teri Road in southeast Austin. Upon arrival, officers found 25-year-old Steve Gonzalez in the garage with apparent gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by APD, the Austin Fire Department, and Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, Gonzalez was pronounced deceased at the scene at 6:34 p.m.
Investigations revealed that Gonzalez had been involved in a dice game with 26-year-old Martin Tovar, a known acquaintance. An altercation ensued during the game, leading both men to step outside the residence. Witnesses reported that Tovar retrieved a handgun from his vehicle and fired multiple shots, initially into the ground. As Gonzalez approached the residence, Tovar allegedly fired additional shots, striking Gonzalez in the chest. Tovar then fled the scene in his truck.
APD officers later located and arrested Tovar, charging him with first-degree murder. At the time of his arrest, Tovar had an outstanding warrant for aggravated assault. During police interviews, Tovar claimed that Gonzalez had pointed a handgun at him during the altercation, prompting him to act in self-defense. However, investigators did not find a weapon on Gonzalez, and witnesses did not corroborate Tovar's account of Gonzalez being armed.
This incident marked Austin's 43rd homicide of 2024. The APD continues to encourage anyone with additional information about the case to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in ongoing investigations.
