On July 31, 2024, at approximately 2:50 a.m., 24-year-old Jordan Benjamin Burleson was fatally shot outside a house party in the 4600 block of Hawthorn Woods, located in San Antonio's Northwest Side. The gathering was held at a short-term rental property, reportedly an unregistered Airbnb, hosting around 30 to 40 attendees.
According to witness accounts, Burleson exited the residence, possibly to retrieve food, when a silver Dodge Charger approached.
An individual in the passenger seat fired multiple rounds from a rifle, striking Burleson several times. Witnesses recalled hearing between 10 to 15 gunshots before the vehicle sped away from the scene. Despite immediate attempts by partygoers to administer first aid, Burleson was pronounced dead at the scene.
In the immediate aftermath, several attendees, fearing for their safety, barricaded themselves inside the rental property, leading to a standoff with law enforcement that lasted over four hours. Eventually, all individuals exited the house peacefully and were questioned by police. Investigators determined that none of the occupants were responsible for the shooting.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus later indicated that the incident appeared to be targeted, suggesting that Burleson was specifically pursued by the assailants. He mentioned that the rental property had been leased by individuals with gang affiliations, leading authorities to believe the shooting was gang-related.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the suspect or suspects remain unidentified. The San Antonio Police Department, in collaboration with Crime Stoppers, is actively seeking information from the public. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for tips leading to an arrest. Anyone with pertinent information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 210-224-STOP.
In response to this tragedy, city officials have intensified efforts to regulate short-term rental properties, particularly those operating without proper permits or being used for large gatherings. The property in question had an expired permit, and its owners have since been cited for non-compliance. Community meetings have been held to address residents' concerns, with discussions focusing on stricter enforcement and potential policy changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
