Mario Vences was an 18-year-old Hispanic male who died of gunshot wounds sustained on June 14, 2022, in the 1000 block of Springdale Road in East Austin. A verbal conflict there escalated when someone produced a gun and fired several shots. Mario was found outside a residence and later died at a hospital despite life-saving efforts.

The Austin Police Department identified 17-year-old Alexander Cruz as a person of interest and filed murder charges against him. Witnesses identified Cruz as the person holding a .45 caliber pistol, and .45 caliber casings were recovered at the scene. Witness accounts say Mario had messaged Cruz earlier asking for a ride; when they met there were five other armed individuals, and after Mario said he no longer needed a ride, Cruz and the others left the apartment.

The investigation remains active and APD is seeking information. If anyone knew Mario, saw activity around Springdale Road on June 14, 2022, or has information about the people described, please come forward.