David Michael Flores Charged in Austin Stabbing Case
Austin, TX – More Than a Year Later, Justice for Victor Hernandez Begins
David Michael Flores, a 45-year old Austin resident, has now been charged for the fatal stabbing murder of 43-year old Victor Hernandez. The incident took place on September 17, 2022, at a local tire shop in Austin, Texas. According to court documents, Flores arrived at the tire shop on a bicycle and was asked to leave the premises by Hernandez and another witness. Flores, however, reacted aggressively, leading to a deadly altercation.
The Scene at the Tire Shop
The tire shop, situated at 8645 Research Blvd., was a common workspace for Hernandez. On that fateful day, he and an associate were unloading furniture when they were approached by the assailant. According to affidavits, as Hernandez told Flores to leave the premise, Flores began to insult and threaten them. The confrontation turned physical when Flores allegedly pulled out a folding knife and stabbed Hernandez once in the chest.
A Fight for Survival
Before collapsing, Hernandez managed to strike Flores with his belt, who then quickly fled the scene on foot. Unfortunately, Hernandez was pronounced dead upon his arrival at the hospital. An autopsy report confirmed homicide as the cause of death, citing a stab wound to the chest.
Apprehension and Charges
Police found Flores hiding in a nearby tent. He admitted to the stabbing but insisted it was in self-defense. Despite his claims, surveillance footage from the tire shop negated his statement. It showed the verbal altercation escalating rapidly into a physical one, eventually leading to Hernandez’s collapse post the stabbing incident. Flores has since been charged with murder.
Delays in the Judicial Process
Notably, Flores’s arrest warrant was issued more than a year after the incident. Online records from the Travis County Jail do not currently list Flores as an inmate, which has further fueled uncertainty regarding the case. Neither the delay in the issuance of the arrest warrant nor Flores’s current whereabouts have been explained by the authorities.
Authorities Continue Investigation
As of now, the reasons behind the lag in proceedings are murky. Despite Flores having been initially taken into custody for questioning post the fatal stabbing, charges were only officially laid now. An update on the case, including details about what led to the delay and current proceedings, is expected from the authorities soon.