Vanessa Neves, 41, was shot and killed inside her Spicewood Parkway home in northwest Austin on October 26, 2021, during what police described as a domestic disturbance. Her husband, James Marcus Neves, 54 at the time, called 911 and admitted to shooting her, saying the shooting happened during a heated argument. The couple’s two children were in the home but were not physically injured.

Vanessa was remembered by neighbors and the community as joyful and community-minded; she volunteered and worked as a substitute teacher at Spicewood Elementary School. A vigil at Hope Presbyterian Church drew members of the community together to mourn her loss and support the family.

James Neves was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and held in the Travis County Jail on $750,000 bond.

If anyone knew Vanessa or has information about the case, please share what you know.