NE Austin Home Invasion Leads To Death, Murder Charge

AUSTIN, TX — Police on Monday identified a person arrested in connection to a home invasion that turned violent over the weekend in northeast Austin.

The incident occurred on Sunday just before 8 a.m. along the 2900 block of Pecan Springs Road. Police said they received a call of an in-progress robbery at a residence where two residents reportedly had been shot. Upon arrival, officers found two gunshot wound victims and a man with penetrating trauma — later determined to have been one of the suspected robbers, police said.

The wounded man was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds just before 9:15 a.m., police said. Law enforcement officials were then notified of a second man with similar wounds being dropped off by someone in a tan-colored Volkswagen Jetta at the Ascension Seton Hospital on West 32nd Street.

Police said they were later able to determine the man who was dead at the scene, the other transported to Ascension Seton Hospital and the driver of the Volkswagen Jetta had all been involved in the attempted robbery. During the course of the attempted home robbery, police said, one of the residents fought off the suspects — stabbing two of them in the process. One of the suspects then fired a weapon multiple times, police said, striking two of the residents.

The three male suspects fled the residence before one of the men collapsed in the driveway while the two others fled in the Volkswagen, police said. Detectives were able to locate the driver of the Volkswagen, identifying him as 38-year-old Raul Luevano. Police said Luevano waived his rights before telling police what had happened and was charged with murder. At least one other arrest for murder is expected, police added.

"In Texas, you may be charged with murder if during the act of attempting or committing a felony someone is killed as a result of those actions," a police spokesperson explained to Patch in response to a query. "It does not matter if it is an intended victim or another suspect that is killed. In other words, if anyone dies while you are committing a felony, you may be charged with murder."

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. Tips also can be submitted by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android.