4th Of July Fireworks Argument Leads To Fatal S. Austin Shooting

SOUTH AUSTIN, TX — Police released more details about a deadly confrontation between two men that took place early morning on Wednesday, July 4, that left a teenager dead in South Austin.

The incident occurred just before 1:30 a.m. at 2501 Anken Dr., police said. A call was made reporting a disturbance involving a gun between two men, with an updated report indicating a man had been shot.

Upon their arrival, police found Devonte Ortiz, 19, with obvious trauma throughout his body. Officers are said to have administered CPR on the victim before arrival of medics who transported him to Dell Seton Medical Center. However, Ortiz was pronounced dead by 2:12 a.m., police said in a press advisory.

During the course of their subsequent investigation, homicide detectives secured video surveillance that showed a portion of the incident, police said. Witnesses and the video indicate the disturbance between the two men began because fireworks were being ignited in the apartment complex parking lot, police said.

The argument subsided, but resumed later when the fireworks continued, according to police. The second argument escalated to the point that both men displayed firearms, officials added, and multiple firearms later were recovered at the scene.

Police noted the two men were previously acquainted with each other.

The Travis County Medical Examiner is scheduled to conduct an autopsy on Thursday morning, according to police. This case also will be referred to the Travis County District Attorney’s office for review and possible presentation to a grand jury, police added. No arrests have been made at this time.

Homicide detectives are asking anyone who may have information about this incident to call the Homicide Tip Line at (512) 477-3588, Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS, text "Tip 103" + a message to CRIMES or use the new Crime Stoppers App. Those with information also can submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

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