On January 10, 2023, at approximately 3:29 a.m., Austin Police Department officers responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of South Meadows Drive in North Austin. Upon arrival, they discovered 37-year-old Gavin Wood lying on the sidewalk with gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation revealed that Wood had been in a relationship with a woman whose ex-boyfriend, 35-year-old Eric LaMountain, became aware of their involvement in late December 2022.
LaMountain reportedly used a location-sharing application to track his ex-girlfriend's whereabouts, confirming she was at Wood's residence. After she ended their relationship on January 8, 2023, LaMountain sent her threatening messages, including a statement indicating he knew Wood's address. He also sent her photos of a firearm and a screenshot of a ride-sharing app, suggesting he was en route to confront Wood.
Despite his ex-girlfriend's warnings, Wood did not perceive LaMountain as a threat and advised her to leave his residence. Shortly thereafter, LaMountain arrived at Wood's home, where he allegedly struck Wood in the head with a gun. As Wood attempted to flee, LaMountain fired multiple shots until his firearm was empty. He later admitted to considering reloading but chose to flee the scene instead.
Less than an hour after the shooting, officers located and arrested LaMountain, who was found in possession of a handgun. He was charged with first-degree murder and held on a $1 million bond. In October 2024, LaMountain pleaded guilty to the murder charge and was sentenced to 40 years in prison, with credit for time served.
Gavin Wood, originally from California, had relocated to Texas as a young adult. He was a devoted father to his son, Nick, and was remembered by family and friends for his kindness, sense of humor, and the joy he brought into their lives.
