AUSTIN, Texas — A 16-year-old killed in a shooting in South Austin on Sunday was a former Crockett Early College High School student, Austin ISD has confirmed.
A juvenile is charged with first-degree murder after the incident in the 6400 block of Bradsher Drive.
The Austin Police Department said around 10:13 p.m., officers responded to the scene after multiple calls reporting a shooting. When officers arrived, they found an unresponsive male with apparent gunshot wounds on the ground outside the residence.
Lifesaving measures were attempted, but the victim – later identified as 16-year-old Matthew Pichardo – was pronounced dead at the scene.
APD homicide detectives and crime scene specialists processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. According to APD, the investigation showed that Pichardo was shot by another juvenile, who fled the scene.
Within a few hours, that suspect turned himself in to the Gardner Betts Juvenile Center. He was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Pichardo’s death.
“We are deeply saddened to share that one of our recent former students, Matthew Pichardo, lost his life on Sunday night,” Crockett Early College High School Principal Shana King said in a letter to families. “Matthew was a valued part of our Crockett family who was cared for by many.”
Additional counselors will be on campus to provide support for students and staff throughout the week, King said.
Anyone with any information about this shooting is asked to contact APD at 512-974-TIPS, or to 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 information that leads to an arrest.
Pichardo’s death is being investigated as Austin’s 10th homicide of the year.