On September 8, 2024, at about 5:55 p.m., Austin police responded to a disturbance in the 2500 block of Teri Road and found 25-year-old Steve Gonzalez in a garage with apparent gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, Gonzalez was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:34 p.m.

Investigators say Gonzalez had been playing dice with 26-year-old Martin Tovar, a known acquaintance, when an altercation moved both men outside. Witnesses reported Tovar retrieved a handgun from his vehicle and fired multiple shots, first into the ground and then, as Gonzalez approached the residence, additional shots that struck Gonzalez in the chest. Tovar fled but was later located and arrested; he was charged with first-degree murder and had an outstanding aggravated assault warrant at the time. Tovar told police he acted in self-defense and claimed Gonzalez had pointed a handgun at him, but no weapon was found on Gonzalez and witnesses did not corroborate that claim.

This was Austin’s 43rd homicide of 2024. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information is asked to contact investigators. What did you see or hear that evening?