AUSTIN, Texas (KWTX) – A 66-year-old man died from injuries sustained during a brutal assault in South Austin, marking the city’s seventh homicide this year.
Robert Garcia was found severely beaten outside an apartment complex at 1054 Springdale Road on Saturday, January 31, around 6:46 p.m. Responding officers discovered him unconscious and bleeding heavily from head trauma. He was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition.
Austin Police arrested Raymond Ware, 38, at the scene after the suspect barricaded himself inside a nearby apartment.
Raymond Ware(Austin Police Department)
When Ware refused to surrender voluntarily, APD mobilized its Aggravated Assault Detectives, crime scene specialists, and SWAT units. Officers successfully took him into custody, though Ware later attempted to escape while being held at the APD main station.
From Assault to Murder Charge
Police say Ware confronted Garcia at his residence and attacked him violently. Ware was initially charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and declined to provide a statement to investigators.
Garcia remained hospitalized for four days before succumbing to his injuries on February 4.
Following his death, detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Ware with murder, which was filed on February 10.
Investigation Ongoing
Austin Police continue to investigate the homicide and are seeking additional information from the public.
Anyone with details about the assault or circumstances leading up to Garcia’s death is encouraged to contact APD at 512-974-TIPS or submit an anonymous tip through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at austincrimestoppers.org or 512-472-8477.
The case is one of numerous violent crimes plaguing Austin as the city grapples with an uptick in homicides in early 2026.
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