AUSTIN, Texas — Police have identified a man shot prior to a crash on Interstate 35 in North Austin early Sunday morning.
The Austin Police Department (APD) said shortly after 3:30 a.m. Sunday, multiple 911 calls came in about a stalled Mitsubishi Mirage in the far left lane of the 11600 block of North Interstate 35 northbound, near Covington Drive. The call was later upgraded to a “crash hotshot” after the stalled Mitsubishi was hit by a Ford Bronco.
APD said the driver of the Mitsubishi was later identified as 46-year-old Edward Espino. When Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) medics and Austin Fire Department (AFD) crews pulled Espino from his vehicle and attempted first aid, they discovered he had a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Homicide detectives and crime scene specialists processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. The initial investigation shows Espino was driving northbound on I-35 when he came to a stop in the far left lane before being struck from behind by the Bronco.
The driver of the Bronco was interviewed and was cooperative with the investigation, according to police. They are not believed to be connected with the homicide.
The shooting suspects have not yet been identified, but police said multiple bullets were found and they do believe Espino’s death was the result of a road rage incident.
At an APD press conference Tuesday morning, Espino’s family was visibly shaken, holding his photo. They chose not to make a statement, but an investigator spoke on their behalf.
“He’s a member of the community. You know, he’s a son; you know, he’s a brother. And he’s a human. He’s a person,” Det. Chris Anderson said. “Anybody would want their family, you know, justice for their family.”
APD is asking anyone who may have been in the area and heard possible shots fired, who may have seen Espino’s Mitsubishi driving or who may have seen vehicles that appeared to be “in an altercation” to come forward. Anyone with any photos, videos or other potential evidence is asked to submit those materials here.
Anyone with information about this incident can call APD at 512-974-TIPS or submit a tip anonymously to the Capital Area Crime Stoppers online or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.
APD is investigating this case as the city’s ninth homicide of 2025.