Burned Homeless Man Found Dead In South Austin Was Killed: Police

SOUTH AUSTIN, TEXAS — Police on Tuesday identified the man found burned in South Austin earlier this week in South Austin, categorizing the death as a homicide.

On Sunday, Aug. 26, firefighters responded to smoke emanating from a wooded area along the 7300 block of South Interstate 35 along the northbound frontage road just before 6:20 pm., spotting the smoldering site while they were on another call aiding a motorist. Upon reaching the fire location, fire crews came upon a homeless camp ablaze with a dead man among the charred remains.

The deceased man has been identified as 66-year-old Harold Parham. Police noted in a press advisory they identified Parham — who would have turned 67 on Aug. 31 — through his fingerprints. Also reporting to the fire scene were members of the Austin Police Department's Homicide Unit, the Austin Fire Department's arson unit and the Travis County Medical Examiner, police said.

The ME determined Parham died as the result of trauma to the body, the manner of death ruled homicide, according to police. Police noted the incident marked the 23rd murder in Austin so far this year.

Related story: Body Found At Site Of South Austin Brush Fire

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" + your 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.

Police advised potential tipsters that their information can be submitted anonymously. Crime Stopper is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible, police added.

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