Austin, Texas – A troubling incident early Saturday morning, April 12, 2025, has left one man dead and sparked an ongoing investigation by Austin Police.
New details have emerged about the situation that escalated into a violent confrontation, ending with fatal gunfire in what authorities are still trying to determine was self-defense or otherwise.
How Did the Situation Begin?
According to local news outlet KXAN, police were called for a welfare check around 4:55 a.m. on Saturday. Officers responded to a report involving “obvious trauma” at the scene, which prompted both law enforcement and emergency medical responders to act quickly.
Sadly, Henry Martinez, the individual found at the scene, was declared dead at the time officers arrived. Initial reports did not explain the cause, but further investigation revealed more alarming details.
What Led to Martinez’s Death?
As the investigation progressed, witness statements and evidence pointed to a violent altercation involving Martinez, his ex-girlfriend, and her current partner.
Authorities believe that Martinez approached the couple while they were in a car and attempted to attack them with a pickaxe. In response, the current boyfriend reportedly fired a weapon, fatally striking Martinez. Neither the ex-girlfriend nor her partner was injured in the incident.
The weapon Martinez was allegedly carrying—a pickaxe—adds a serious element to the case, with law enforcement treating it as a potential case of self-defense. However, police have not confirmed whether any charges will be filed against the shooter.
As of now, the case is still under active investigation by the Austin Police Department’s Homicide Unit. Authorities are working to verify all details, including confirming the timeline, verifying self-defense claims, and deciding if the use of deadly force was legally justified.
Anyone with additional information that may assist in the investigation is urged to contact the Austin Police Homicide Tip Line at 512-974-8477.