On February 5, 2023, at approximately 5:20 p.m., the Austin Police Department (APD) responded to a shooting incident at a Chevron gas station located at 9318 North Interstate 35 southbound service road in North Austin. Upon arrival, officers and Austin-Travis County EMS medics discovered two individuals with gunshot wounds: 20-year-old Joshua "Josh" Dienno and 19-year-old Isaac Sandoval.
Tragically, Dienno was pronounced dead at the scene, while Sandoval succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital hours later.
Investigations revealed that Dienno and Sandoval were friends. According to APD, Sandoval was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. While in this impaired state, Sandoval fatally shot Dienno before taking his own life. The case was classified as Austin's 10th homicide of 2023.
In the wake of this tragic event, a GoFundMe campaign was organized by Theresa Hancock to support Dienno's family with funeral expenses and related costs. The campaign highlighted the profound grief experienced by his family, including his father Carlos, stepmother Angie, and mother Cynthia. The fundraiser emphasized the unexpected nature of the loss and the emotional toll of a parent having to bury their child.
Dienno's obituary noted that he was born on December 3, 2002, in San Antonio, Texas. He was remembered as a loving son who cherished his family and friends. His passing left a significant void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
The incident underscores the devastating impact of substance abuse and the importance of mental health awareness. APD encouraged individuals with information about the case to come forward and also provided resources for those struggling with mental health issues, emphasizing the availability of support through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
