On the evening of August 22, 2024, at approximately 8:35 p.m., Austin Police Department officers responded to a reported shooting in the 6300 block of Thurgood Avenue in East Austin. Upon arrival, they discovered 13-year-old Jeremiah Bobby Cavazos with an apparent gunshot wound. Despite prompt medical attention, Cavazos was pronounced deceased at the scene at 8:55 p.m.
Investigations revealed that Cavazos and another juvenile, referred to as Juvenile #2, had arrived at the location in a stolen vehicle to meet with a third juvenile, Juvenile #1. The meeting escalated when Cavazos and Juvenile #2 attempted to rob Juvenile #1, leading to an exchange of gunfire among the three individuals. During the shootout, Cavazos was struck by a bullet. He managed to re-enter the vehicle, but as Juvenile #2 attempted to flee the scene by driving away, Cavazos was ejected from the backseat onto the pavement. Meanwhile, Juvenile #1 fled the scene on foot.
Subsequent police efforts led to the apprehension of both juveniles involved. Juvenile #2 was arrested and charged with capital murder, while Juvenile #1 faced charges of first-degree murder. Due to their ages, the identities of the suspects have not been publicly disclosed. This incident marked the 40th homicide in Austin for the year 2024.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Austin Police Department has urged anyone with additional information to come forward, offering avenues for anonymous tips through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program. A reward of up to $1,000 has been made available for information leading to further arrests or developments in the case. The community continues to grapple with the loss of a young life and the circumstances surrounding this fatal encounter.
