Austin police say more than 200 people were at scene of teen’s fatal shooting, but few have come forward

Antonio Cleveland Jr.’s mother is pleading for the community’s help as investigators continue searching for answers more than three months after his death.

AUSTIN, Texas — More than 200 people were gathered outside a northeast Austin bar the night 18-year-old Antonio Cleveland Jr. was shot and killed, but more than three months later, Austin police say they have only spoken to a handful of people.

During a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 20, Austin Police Department homicide Det. Randy DeLuna revealed investigators have struggled to get witnesses to come forward since the Fourth of July shooting outside Otro Pedo Sports Bar near East Braker Lane.

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“There were a lot of witnesses out there. So initially, I was expecting more cooperation or more witnesses to come forward and give us information about what had happened. Unfortunately, that has not happened,” DeLuna said.

Cleveland was one of two people shot that night. He was taken to a hospital, where he died. The second victim survived with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Investigators have not determined what led to the shooting or how many suspects were involved.

Police reveal new details

DeLuna said detectives have spent the past three months reviewing surveillance footage, electronic evidence and social media records. Investigators have also interviewed witnesses, worked to identify vehicles and contacted nearby businesses and residents in search of additional footage.

Police confirmed they have a description of a vehicle that left the area shortly after the shooting. However, DeLuna declined to release that information, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.

According to DeLuna, the second shooting victim provided limited information because of where they were positioned when the gunfire erupted.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission also launched a separate investigation involving the bar following the shooting. DeLuna said he had not received any updates on that investigation.

Police believe people who were at the scene may have recorded or captured information that could help detectives identify those responsible. Investigators are particularly interested in cellphone videos, dashcam footage and information witnesses may have learned after the shooting.

Antonio Cleveland Jr.’s mother pleads for answers

For Cleveland’s mother, Sharamie Robinson, the lack of cooperation has made an already devastating loss even more difficult.

In an interview with KVUE following Tuesday’s news conference, Robinson described the pain of losing her son without knowing exactly what happened.

“Not knowing, I think it’s what’s making it more harder for me, knowing that my child was at the wrong place at the wrong time and nobody is willing to help,” Robinson said.

Robinson remembered her son, whom family and friends called Tony, as a caring young man who was always willing to help others.

Now, Robinson is questioning why more people have not stepped forward to help her family.

“It’s been months and still, no one,” Robinson said. “It’s just proving more and more right there that I can’t depend on everybody, and I wish I could depend on my community. I’m going to keep on reaching out, but I just, how much more can I push them?”

Robinson said she understands investigators can only do so much without cooperation from the public.

“What more can they [law enforcement] do without nobody helping them? There’s only so much I can push. There’s only so much I can do,” Robinson said.

She believes the people who were gathered outside the bar that night could make a difference in the investigation.

“The people that were out there, the 200-plus that was out there, they can do something. They can make a change. They can do something,” Robinson said.

Family urges witnesses to come forward anonymously

Austin police are encouraging anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators, even if they believe what they know may be insignificant.

DeLuna emphasized that people who are afraid to speak directly with police can submit tips anonymously through Capital Area Crime Stoppers.

Robinson also wants potential witnesses to understand they can share information without revealing their identities.

“When APD is telling them they have their word on anonymous, they have their word on anonymous,” Robinson said. “Anonymous is anonymous.”

While investigators continue working to identify those responsible, Robinson said she has no plans to stop fighting for her son.

“I told APD, whatever it takes, however long it takes, all I’m asking is for justice for my son,” Robinson said.

When asked what she would say to the person responsible for her son’s death, Robinson looked directly into the camera.

“You took someone real special – more special than you know, more special than you know,” Robinson said.

Anyone with information about the July 4 shooting is urged to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Capital Area Crime Stoppers by calling 512-472-8477 or visiting AustinCrimeStoppers.org.

A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.

The investigation remains ongoing.