Austin police have identified a man found dead earlier this week in Southeast Austin as 74-year-old Michael Shelton and said he died after being stabbed multiple times.
Officers responded about 11:17 a.m. Wednesday to a welfare check in the 5100 block of Lambs Lane after a friend went to check on Shelton and found him unresponsive, according to the Austin Police Department.
When officers arrived, they found Shelton inside the home with injuries described as “incompatible with life.” He was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:29 a.m.
Austin homicide detectives and crime scene specialists responded to investigate and determined Shelton had been stabbed multiple times, causing his death. The suspect fled the scene and has not been identified.
At a news conference earlier this week, Cpl. Jose Mendez said detectives are canvassing the area, speaking with neighbors and looking for surveillance video that could help investigators determine what happened.
“This is the type of crime that shakes our community and has been shaking our community for the past several weeks,” Mendez said. “I can assure you that we’re doing everything we can to get to the bottom of this.”
Shelton’s killing comes as Austin police continue to investigate several recent homicides across the city — including as many as three in less than a week.
On June 17, 40-year-old Francesca Ortiz was found dead in broad daylight outside a South Austin apartment complex less than 2 miles from Shelton’s home. Police have said evidence indicates Ortiz was killed at the apartment complex shortly before her body was found, and in the same place where it was discovered.
Investigators have not said whether the cases are connected.
Shelton’s death is being investigated as Austin’s 31st homicide of 2026. At this point last year, Austin had recorded 30 homicides.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Austin police at 512-974-TIPS. Submit anonymous tips by visiting Austin Crime Stoppers online or by calling 512-472-8477.
A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.
– Staff writer Dante Motley contributed to this report.