On July 15, 2023, 45-year-old JaRod Mason, a well-known figure in the East Austin basketball community, was fatally shot in the parking lot of the Westlake Apartments located at 3500 North Capital of Texas Highway in West Austin, Texas. The incident occurred around 6:40 a.m., when a 911 caller reported hearing multiple gunshots within the complex. Upon arrival, Austin Police Department (APD) officers found Mason lying next to a vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds.
Despite life-saving efforts by Austin-Travis County EMS, Mason was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:58 a.m.
Investigators determined that Mason was shot in the parking lot before multiple suspects fled the scene in a vehicle. A witness reported seeing a silver Mercedes leaving the area shortly after the gunshots. On August 10, 2023, an arrest warrant was issued for 24-year-old Anthony Moris in connection with the murder. Moris was arrested and booked into the Travis County Jail on a $1 million bond. Evidence linking Moris to the crime included a handgun seized during a prior arrest that matched cartridge casings found at the scene, as well as cell phone data placing him near the location at the time of the shooting.
Mason, affectionately known as "Dirt," was celebrated for his exceptional basketball skills and his vibrant presence in the community. Friends and family remembered him as a charismatic individual who brought joy to those around him. Former professional basketball player Kris Clack described Mason as "a wizard with the basketball," highlighting the significant impact he had on local athletes.
The tragic loss of JaRod Mason has deeply affected the Austin community, prompting discussions about safety and violence in the area. As the legal proceedings continue, his loved ones and community members remain committed to seeking justice and honoring his memory.
