Two Arrested in East Austin Drug-Related Shooting Linked to $300 Debt

AUSTIN, Texas — Two Arrests Made in East Austin Drug-Related Shooting

In a shocking incident that has left the community reeling, two suspects were arrested in connection to an attempted murder case involving a drug debt in east Austin. The incident unfolded on May 21 when police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 2:47 p.m. near 6017 Loyola Lane.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots near the Walnut Creek Hike and Bike Trail and later discovered a man who had suffered serious injuries. Responding officers found a Black man lying on the side of a dirt road, with multiple gunshot wounds across his body, including two in the face, one in the left arm, and several in the torso and abdomen.

Victim’s Condition and Initial Investigation

The victim was quickly transported to Dell Seton Hospital by Austin-Travis County EMS. His condition was critical, requiring a medically induced coma and intubation from May 21 to May 23. After being stabilized, the victim was interviewed by police starting on May 24. Due to being on breathing and suction tubes, he could only respond to simple “Yes” or “No” questions.

Officers returned four days later for a follow-up interview, where the victim had just undergone a tracheotomy. He was then able to reply with short written sentences. During these interviews, he revealed he was a frequent narcotics user and had small jobs around North Lamar Boulevard. Crucially, he disclosed a $300 debt to a person he knew only as CJ.

The Lure and Shooting

According to the victim, CJ had sent people to collect the debt before. Three weeks before the shooting, a Hispanic man confronted him at gunpoint demanding the owed money. On the day of the shooting, the victim met an acquaintance named Darrell, who offered to take him to sell a power converter. Darrell drove the victim to a remote area and directed him to speak with the driver of a white SUV.

As soon as the victim exited Darrell’s vehicle, he realized he had been set up. The driver, who he recognized, was the same man who had previously threatened him. The argument escalated quickly, and within moments, the shooter brandished a gun and fired multiple rounds at close range before fleeing the scene.

Identification of the Shooter

After the shooting, the victim was able to identify the shooter as Jose Anthony Vega-Martinez, a 33-year-old man who resided in the same apartment complex as the victim’s girlfriend. Police learned that Vega-Martinez was arrested on May 29 for multiple felony warrants linked to commercial burglaries. Following a lineup, the victim confidently identified Vega-Martinez as the shooter.

Arrests and Further Investigations

In their ongoing investigation, police conducted an undercover operation where they observed Calvin “CJ” Chisolm, aged 32, engaged in suspicious activities consistent with drug sales. Following a traffic stop, officers discovered firearms and illegal substances during a search of the vehicle he was in. CJ was arrested for the unlawful possession of these weapons and drugs.

Investigators later discovered communications between CJ and Vega-Martinez discussing money for narcotics sales. They concluded that CJ had potentially paid Vega-Martinez $400 to execute the shooting, marking a dark twist to their drug-debt-related conflict. This payment was allegedly made just 40 minutes after the shooting incident.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Chisolm was booked into the Travis County Jail on October 15, facing serious charges that include Capital Murder Remuneration and possession of a controlled substance, with bail set at $775,000. Vega-Martinez remains in jail with a staggering 29 charges, including multiple counts of burglary and other serious felonies, and his bond is set at $1,908,000.

This incident showcases the ongoing issues surrounding drug-related violence in Austin, leaving many in the community concerned and seeking answers.