AUSTIN, Texas — Austin police have identified the woman found dead behind a Southeast Austin apartment complex Wednesday afternoon as homicide detectives continue investigating her death.
According to the Austin Police Department, officers responded around 1:37 p.m. Wednesday to a call reporting a deceased person behind an apartment building at the Waters at Bluff Springs apartment complex, located at 7707 South Interstate 35.
When officers arrived, they found a woman lying in the grass behind the building with visible injuries incompatible with life, police said.
The victim was identified as 40-year-old Francesca Ortiz. She was pronounced dead at 1:50 p.m.
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APD homicide detectives and Austin Forensic Science crime scene specialists responded to investigate.
Police said the investigation revealed Ortiz had been at the apartment complex around midnight attempting to visit someone. Sometime between that visit and the discovery of her body Wednesday afternoon, investigators said Ortiz suffered injuries that resulted in her death. Her body was later left in a field behind one of the apartment buildings.
An autopsy conducted Thursday morning determined Ortiz died from blunt force trauma, according to police.
Detectives are asking anyone who was in the area between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, or anyone with photos, video or information related to the case, to come forward or scan the QR code below.
Detectives are requesting any information from anyone who was in the area between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning or those with knowledge of the incident. Anyone with photos, videos, or other potential evidence is requested to share them with APD. You may submit materials by clicking here or scanning the QR code below. (Photo: APD)
Anyone with information is asked to contact APD at 512-974-TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Capital Area Crime Stoppers or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.
The case is being investigated as Austin’s 29th homicide of 2026.