Gavin Wood, 37, was shot dead on January 10, 2023, in North Austin. Officers responding about 3:29 a.m. found him on the sidewalk in the 1400 block of South Meadows Drive; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say Wood had been in a relationship with a woman whose ex-boyfriend, 35-year-old Eric LaMountain, learned of their involvement in late December 2022 and used a location-sharing app to confirm her presence at Wood’s residence.

After she ended that relationship on January 8, LaMountain reportedly sent threatening messages, photos of a firearm and a screenshot from a ride-sharing app suggesting he was coming to confront Wood. Officers arrested LaMountain less than an hour later and found a handgun in his possession; he was charged with first-degree murder and held on bond.

Wood, originally from California, had moved to Texas as a young adult and was a devoted father to his son, Nick. Family and friends remembered him for his kindness and sense of humor. If anyone has information about what happened that night or knew Gavin, please come forward.