Man Charged With Murder In South Austin Shooting

SOUTH AUSTIN, TX — Police on Monday disclosed details on an incident outside a South Austin bar and grill at closing time during which a man shot another in a dispute — a killing said to have been caught on surveillance camera.

The incident occurred on Saturday, May 19, around 2:20 a.m. at 321 W. Ben White Boulevard where Bender Bar & Grill is located. When officers arrived, they found Glenn Eugene Howell, 47, with obvious trauma to his body. Despite efforts by Austin-Travis County EMS medics to resuscitate him, Howell succumbed to his injuries and pronounced dead at 2:32 a.m.

Homicide detectives spoke to witnesses who provided details about the shooting. Based on their insights, detectives were able to secure an arrest warrant for Antoine Kirkwood, 35, for the killing. Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force tracked Kirkwood to Georgetown, Texas, where he was arrested with the help of members of the Central Texas Regional SWAT unit. Georgetown police and fire officials also assisted in effecting the arrest, officials noted.

Police later learned the two men had gotten into an argument after the bar and grill had closed, when Kirkwood produced a handgun he accidentally dropped to the ground, the magazine separating from the gun as a result. Instead of leaving, Kirkwood retrieved a second magazine from his vehicle, inserted it into the gun and racked a round in the chamber, police said. He re-approached Howell and the two men scuffled before police said Kirkwood fired.

A subsequent Travis County Medical Examiner autopsy determined the cause of death to be from a gunshot wound to the head, police said in their press advisory. As a result, police added, the death was officially ruled a homicide.

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

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