Crime & Safety
Arrest Made In Fatal Shooting At Austin Homeless Camp
Police said Damon Richard Boyd, 41, got into an argument that culminated with him shooting Shawn Thomas Eaton, 29, in the chest.
AUSTIN, TX — A man is under arrest in connection to a shooting death at a homeless encampment over the weekend, officials said on Monday.
Police were called to the 5900 block of Mopac Expressway northbound service road just before 9 a.m. on Sunday amid reports of a shooting in a wooded area. There, police found the body of 29-year-old Shawn Thomas Eaton.
Austin police were notified to the incident after a Sunset Valley police officer was flagged down at the site, according to local officials.The Sunset Valley officer learned there had been a shooting Friday night, and the body was still at the scene. Austin police followed up by meeting with the caller, officials said in a press advisory, who directed officers to the scene.
Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Police officers found the dead man on the ground with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the chest, officials said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Previous story: Body Found At Southwest Austin Homeless Encampment
Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Homicide detectives were dispatched to the scene where they spoke with several witnesses that lived at the camp and were on scene when the initial shooting occurred on Friday night, police said. The witnesses said the victim had gotten into an argument with the suspect who was identified by police as 41-year-old Damon Richard Boyd. The argument culminated with Boyd shooting Eaton, police learned.
A murder warrant was issued for Boyd's arrest which ultimately was effected by members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. Boyd is now at the Travis County Jail with bond set at $500,000, police said.
As they continue their investigation, detectives ask anyone with video or information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 512-974-TIPS or use the new Crime Stoppers App or email APD Homicide at homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. Those submitting tips have the option of remaining anonymous, police said. Those with information also can share it with police by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
