Travis County Sheriff Deputy's Fatal Gunshot Wound May Have Been Self-Inflicted

ROUND ROCK, TX — The Travis County Sheriff's Office deputy fatally shot at his Round Rock home appears to have been shot with his own weapon, and investigators now are trying to determine if his fatal injury was self-inflicted, the police chief said.

Sgt. Craig Hutchinson was found dead of a gunshot wound in the backyard of his home in the early morning of July 25. Police later said Hutchinson had called for backup after reporting what he categorized as "prowlers" in his backyard.

But the ongoing investigation indicates the injury may have been self-inflicted, Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said in a prepared statement sent to Patch via email.

"Analysis of the projectile recovered indicates that the projectile came from Sgt. Hutchinson’s weapon, which was recovered from the scene," Banks said. "We are still gathering the facts in this case to determine what led to Sgt. Hutchinson’s death, including the possibility of a homicide or that it was self-inflicted."

Banks said evidence has been taken to Texas Department of Public Safety labs for testing.

"Numerous items of evidence have been sent to DPS for forensic analysis, DNA or latent analysis," he said. "Digital evidence from video surveillance from residences and businesses are under review as well. At this point in the investigation, we have not identified a particular suspect."

Banks said the preliminary determination of a potential self-inflicted wound comes after exhaustive analysis: "We have processed more than 150 pieces of evidence, canvased 233 homes in the neighborhood, and followed up on or investigated 117 tips with supporting agencies, as well as 26 of our own Criminal Investigation detectives, who are working this case."

In his statement, Banks thanked the myriad law enforcement agencies that have assisted in the investigation.

"We appreciate our local, state and federal law enforcement partners who continue to assist us on this case and provide the resources and workforce necessary to conduct a thorough investigation — including the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Austin Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety (including the Texas Rangers), FBI, U.S. Marshalls Service, Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, Texas Attorney General’s Office, Travis County District Attorney’s Office, Williamson County District Attorney’s Office and the ATF," Banks wrote.

Police still seek information in the case. Those with information are urged to call the police tip line at (512) 671-2767. Police also can be followed for updates on Twitter and Instagram @RoundRockPolice.

Acting under the assumption the death was homicide, law enforcement organizations previously pooled their resources to offer a reward for information that might lead to an arrest. The reward is now up to $50,000, including $2,500 from the Round Rock Association of Professional Firefighters, and $10,000 from the Austin Police Association.

"I assure you that this multi-jurisdictional team will continue to thoroughly investigate this incident, follow up on all leads and investigate all tips we receive to determine the facts pertaining to the death of Sgt. Craig Hutchinson," Banks said.

Hutchinson, 54, was a 32-year law enforcement veteran. He is survived by his wife, two children, three stepchildren, two grandchildren and his mother. Burial for Hutchinson took place on Tuesday.