Austin Police ID 'Santa Claus' Shooter, Confirm Victim's Death

AUSTIN, TX —One of the people shot at a pre-Halloween costume party over the weekend by an assailant dressed as Santa Claus has died, police said Monday, while identifying the shooter.

Michael McCloskey, 37, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital just after 3:15 p.m. Sunday night, police said during a Monday press conference. The shooting occurred earlier Sunday morning at a North Loop home at 5501 Avenue F in Central Austin, police said. On Monday, police identified the suspected shooter as Randall Gaston Jones, 32.

McCloskey and two women were transported to Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas for treatment of their injuries, police said. A fourth person who was shot declined treatment, officials added.

The motive for the shooting that left three others injured is unclear, but police indicated previously that those gathered at the party knew Jones. Police have said that Jones was highly intoxicated at the party before being asked by other attendees to sleep it off. Instead, he is said to have emerged from his room while armed and firing at the gathering.

Police said Jones was later found at a neighbor's house, where he was arrested. He is said to have told the neighbor an altercation had occurred at the house party, indicating he'd be surrendering to authorities. Police said Jones then placed a black semi-automatic weapon on the neighbor's welcome mate as he waited for police to arrive.

Related story: 4 Shot At Austin Halloween Party By Man Dressed As Santa: Police

McCloskey, who tried to stop Jones, was instead met with a hail of gunfire. Jones has since been charged with murder and aggravated assault.

Police urge anyone who may have information about the deadly incident to call the Homicide Tip Line at (512) 477-3588, Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS or by texting "Tip 103" + a message to CRIMES.

>>> Randall Jones booking photo via Travis County Jail records