Patrick Valdez

On November 25, 2023, 16-year-old Patrick Valdez, a Hispanic male, was fatally shot during a party in East Austin, Texas, just days before his 17th birthday. The incident occurred around 10:09 p.m. in the 2500 block of Sol Wilson Avenue. Arriving officers found Patrick and another male victim with multiple gunshot wounds. Patrick was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second victim was hospitalized in stable condition.

Investigations revealed that a suspect had arrived at the party and was subsequently asked to leave. This led to a confrontation in the front yard, where the shooting took place. The suspect then fled the scene in a vehicle. At the time, authorities urged anyone with information to contact the Austin Police Department's Homicide Unit or to submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program.

On January 10, 2024, 18-year-old Andrew Dominic Aviles was arrested in connection with Patrick Valdez's death. The U.S. Marshals-led Lone Star Fugitive Task Force apprehended Aviles in Elgin, Texas, without incident. He was booked into the Travis County Jail on a murder charge, with his bond set at $750,000.

However, by April 2024, Travis County court records indicated that the District Attorney's Office had not yet filed formal charges against Aviles. Despite his arrest and detention, the lack of formal charges led to questions regarding the progression of the case. As of that month, Aviles remained in custody at the Travis County Jail. The tragic death of Patrick Valdez marked Austin's 64th homicide of 2023. His family and community continue to seek justice and closure as the legal process unfolds.