Austin Lee Winn was a 26‑year‑old **White male** from Tecumseh, Oklahoma, working as a livestock and horse transporter. On Sunday morning, May 12, 2024—Mother’s Day—he was traveling back from a routine haul of horses in Midland, Texas. Between approximately 9 and 11 a.m., deputies responded to a call at the 10,000–10,400 block of West I‑20 and discovered Austin lying outside his parked 18‑wheeler.
He had sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. Foul play was immediately suspected and the case was classified as a homicide.
Media reports and family statements noted that Austin, a **26‑year‑old White male**, was familiar with the route and never felt unsafe in the area. He had sent a heartfelt text to his mother earlier that morning—“Happy Mother’s Day. I love you. I’ll be home to eat dinner with you this evening”—and had even spoken with his girlfriend around 10:30 a.m. to relay the same message. Only hours later, his family was devastated by police knocking on their door to confirm his death, leaving them in complete shock.
Throughout the investigation, no arrests were made. Authorities followed leads, including reports of a dark-colored Dodge single-cab dually pickup seen near the area at the time of the shooting, and appealed to the public for information. Midland Crime Stoppers initially offered a $6,000 reward, later increased—by early 2025—to $7,000 for tips leading to an arrest. As of May 2025, the case remains unsolved and no suspect has been publicly identified or charged.
At every step, law enforcement—Midland County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Rangers—have urged anyone with information to come forward anonymously, through the tip line, app, or website, to assist in bringing justice for the **26‑year‑old White male** victim.
