On the night of October 17, 2023, 31-year-old Reginald Austin Jr. was fatally shot during an altercation in a strip mall parking lot located in the 6600 block of Brentwood Stair Road in Fort Worth, Texas. The incident occurred around 11:15 p.m. During the confrontation, Austin was shot in the chest. Emergency services transported him to John Peter Smith Hospital, where he was pronounced dead approximately 40 minutes later.
Following the shooting, Fort Worth police arrested 21-year-old Joshua Patterson on suspicion of murder. According to authorities, Patterson and Austin were involved in an argument that escalated when Patterson allegedly drew a handgun and fired the fatal shots. Patterson was detained at the scene and taken into custody without incident.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Austin's identity and cause of death. The shooting took place near a Domino's Pizza at 6612 Brentwood Stair Road, a location within a business complex south of the interchange between Interstates 30 and 820. The area is known for its late-night activity, and the incident has raised concerns among local residents and business owners about safety and security.
In the aftermath of Austin's death, an online memorial was created to honor his memory, with friends and family leaving messages and lighting virtual candles. The community has expressed grief and shock over the loss, highlighting the impact of gun violence on families and neighborhoods. As of the latest reports, no further arrests have been made in connection with the case, and Joshua Patterson remains the primary suspect awaiting trial.
