On June 25, 2024, at approximately 11 a.m., Austin Police Department officers responded to a reported shooting in the 12200 block of Kelton Drive. Upon arrival, they found 13-year-old Julian Anthony Hernandez-Sandoval in a bedroom with a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures before transporting him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 12:45 p.m.
Initially, a family member claimed that Julian had shot himself.
However, after several weeks of investigation, authorities determined that Julian had been shot by a family member, who later stated that the shooting was accidental. At that time, no formal charges were filed, and the name of the family member was withheld pending further review by the Travis County District Attorney’s office.
Subsequent developments revealed that Julian's cousin, 18-year-old Charles Simmons, was responsible for the shooting. According to court documents, Simmons admitted to "playing around" with a firearm when he shot Julian in the head. As a result, Simmons was charged with manslaughter in connection with Julian's death.
Julian's untimely passing deeply affected his family and the Austin community. His mother, Ashley Sandoval, organized a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses, expressing that Julian's life was taken too soon and unexpectedly. Funeral services were held in late July, providing an opportunity for family and friends to mourn and honor Julian's memory.
This tragic incident underscores the profound impact of gun-related accidents and the importance of firearm safety, especially in households with children and teenagers. The legal proceedings against Charles Simmons are ongoing, as the community continues to grapple with the loss of a young life.
