An ordinary evening bus ride in Austin, Texas, turned into a tragic crime scene when a man was fatally stabbed without warning. Police say the suspect, Deepak Kandel, 31, stabbed 30-year-old Akshay Gupta in the neck because he believed the victim resembled his uncle.
The incident happened on a CapMetro bus on Wednesday evening, May 15, in the 500 block of South Lamar Boulevard, around 6:45 p.m.
What Happened on the Bus?
According to the Austin Police Department (APD), officers and emergency services responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing onboard a bus. First responders arrived quickly and found Akshay Gupta critically injured. Despite attempts to save his life, he was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m.
Witnesses told detectives that the attack appeared to be unprovoked. Kandel had reportedly been sitting next to Gupta when he suddenly stabbed him in the neck without warning.
Suspect Calmly Left the Scene
After the stabbing, the bus came to a stop. Instead of fleeing in panic, Kandel calmly exited the bus with other passengers and left on foot. Thanks to witness statements and a quick police response, officers found and detained him shortly afterward.
Once in custody, Kandel admitted to the attack. According to police, he told investigators he stabbed Gupta simply because he looked like his uncle.
Murder Charge Filed
Deepak Kandel has now been charged with murder, and the case is under active investigation. The Austin Police Department is continuing to interview witnesses and collect evidence from the crime scene.
Request for Public Assistance
Police are also reaching out to riders who may have left personal belongings on the CapMetro bus due to the incident.
Anyone who left items behind should contact CapMetro Customer Service at 512-474-1200 for assistance.
Additionally, anyone with video, photos, or information related to the crime is encouraged to contact Austin Police at 512-974-TIPS, or submit tips anonymously through Austin Crime Stoppers at austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for tips leading to an arrest or conviction.