News Summary
Austin, Texas, is rocked by a tragic incident as 33-year-old Rex Johnson is shot and killed on Interstate 35. The incident raises concerns about the rising violence in the city, which has seen multiple homicides recently. The police are investigating the shooting and have called for public assistance to identify the suspects. This case highlights the urgent need for community safety initiatives amid increasing gun violence incidents involving youth.
Austin, Texas – A recent tragic incident on the Interstate 35 highway has led to the death of 33-year-old Rex Johnson, prompting investigations into a sharp rise in violence within the city.
What Happened
On Monday, at approximately 1:51 a.m., Rex Johnson was shot near 4th Street and the northbound frontage road of I-35. At the time of the incident, Johnson was accompanying a blind friend who was using a cane. Two male suspects approached the pair; one of them assaulted Johnson, causing him to fall to the ground. The second suspect then shot Johnson before both fled the scene heading east, an act that has now been recorded on surveillance video.
Johnson was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday afternoon at around 1:15 p.m. This incident marks the 12th homicide investigation in Austin for the year 2025.
Who Is Affected
The primary victim of this violence is Rex Johnson, whose life was tragically cut short. His passing has raised concerns about safety in the community, affecting not only his family and friends but also the wider Austin community, which is grappling with a series of violent incidents. Just days prior, the city experienced two separate shootings leading to the deaths of teenagers, highlighting the growing issue of gun violence.
In related incidents, 16-year-old Matthew Pichardo was found shot on Bradsher Drive and pronounced dead, marking Austin’s 10th homicide of the year. Furthermore, 15-year-old Derick Fajardo-Reyes was discovered unresponsive in a crashed vehicle on Harrisglenn Drive, becoming the 11th homicide victim. These recent events have created a heightened sense of fear and urgency among residents and law enforcement officials.
Official Response
The Austin Police Department is actively investigating the shooting of Rex Johnson and has reached out to the public for assistance in identifying the suspects. Descriptions of the suspects have been released: the first suspect is described as a Black male with a slim build, long black hair, wearing a white shirt, dark shorts, and dark shoes. The second suspect is also a Black male with a medium build, last seen wearing a cap, a long-sleeved black shirt, gray shorts, and distinctive white and black shoes.
The department has established a tip line for the public to submit any information that could lead to an arrest. Anonymity is assured for those who wish to report tips through Capital Area Crime Stoppers, where a reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to a successful arrest.
Impact
The community’s sense of security is significantly affected as residents are increasingly worried about violent crime. The spate of recent shootings, including that of Johnson, Pichardo, and Fajardo-Reyes, has drawn attention to the issue of youth involvement in gun violence and the need for comprehensive community safety initiatives. Calls for increased law enforcement presence and community programs to combat the factors leading to youth violence are more pronounced than ever.
Local authorities are under pressure to implement effective measures to mitigate future violence while ensuring the safety of residents. The fear and uncertainty stemming from recent events have led to discussions on the need for community-oriented solutions, aiming to address the root causes of such crimes.
What’s Next
The investigation into the shooting of Rex Johnson is ongoing, with police encouraging the public to come forward with any relevant information. Going forward, authorities will likely emphasize community engagement strategies to enhance safety measures and reduce violent incidents. The public waits anxiously for progress in apprehending the suspects and finding closure in a case that has deeply affected the lives of many.
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: Austin Police Release Video
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- KXAN: APD Seeks Public Help
- Google Search: Austin Crime News
- CBS Austin: Man Dies Near I-35
- Google Scholar: Austin Gun Violence
- Statesman: Austin Shootings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence in Texas
- Fox7 Austin: Video of the Incident
- Google News: Texas Interstate Shooting
