Austin Man Charged with Manslaughter After Victim’s Death Linked to 2020 Assault
Austin, Texas — A 41-year-old man is facing serious legal consequences after a violent incident that began over two years ago. Justin Maurice Agnew has been charged with second-degree felony manslaughter for an assault that occurred on January 31, 2020, which authorities say eventually led to the death of the victim, Rene Luevano, on May 3, 2022.
Details of the Attack
The incident took place outside the Waller Creek Pub in Austin. According to an arrest affidavit, both Agnew and Luevano were frequent patrons at the pub. On the night of the attack, they were watching a basketball game when their friendly conversation turned tense and increasingly hostile.
Witnesses reported that Agnew left the bar and waited in an alley for Luevano to come out. When Luevano emerged, Agnew allegedly punched him, which knocked him unconscious. Eyewitnesses further claimed that Agnew proceeded to kick or stomp on Luevano’s head before fleeing the scene. One witness even stated, “He curb-stomped [Luevano], no doubt,” emphasizing the severity of Agnew’s actions.
Injuries and Medical Consequences
Luevano was rushed to the hospital, where he stayed for a week. Doctors diagnosed him with a skull fracture and subarachnoid hemorrhage due to the attack. In the time following the assault, Luevano developed seizures, which medical documents linked directly to the head trauma he endured.
As time went on, the condition of Luevano worsened. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office completed a thorough investigation into his death after he passed away in Chicago in May 2022. In March 2023, they ruled his death as a homicide. The officials cited “complications of multiple remote craniocerebral injuries due to assault” as the cause of death. The affidavit revealed that “all accounts and records appear to specifically cite this assault as the only cause for Luevano’s craniocerebral injuries and subsequent seizures.”
Legal Proceedings
Initially, Agnew faced charges for public intoxication and assault with injury following the 2020 incident. However, after ongoing investigations revealed the connection between the assault and Luevano’s death, authorities upgraded the charges to manslaughter. This significant change highlights the serious implications of Agnew’s actions two years prior.
As legal proceedings unfold, this case serves as a grim reminder of how a night out can quickly escalate into violence with lasting consequences. The community continues to mourn the loss of Luevano, who was remembered not just for the tragic circumstances of his death, but for the life he led prior to the incident.
Community Impact
The incident has drawn attention to issues surrounding violence in nightlife settings. Locals expressed concern over safety, particularly in and around popular bars and clubs. As people continue to discuss the events that night, many are calling for better security measures in public spaces to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The case against Agnew is expected to progress through the legal system, and the public will be watching closely to see what outcomes arise from this tragic situation. As more details come to light, it will be important for the Austin community to engage in discussions about violence prevention and ensuring safe spaces for social gatherings.
