Austin Community Grapples with Recent Violence on Burton Drive
AUSTIN — The community in southeast Austin is shaken after a wave of violence claimed three lives in just one week, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety in the area. The Austin Police Department reported the tragic events on Burton Drive, where two separate homicides occurred within days of each other.
First Incident: Double Homicide on Burton Drive
On a Monday morning, police found two individuals dead outside an apartment complex on Burton Drive. The victims were identified as Francis Kaina Anseume Corredor, a 27-year-old woman and mother, and Bryan Florentino Flores Alvarez, a 19-year-old man who was allegedly dating her. The suspect has been named as Sherles Machado-Hernandez, who is believed to have killed Corredor before taking her life as well.
Officials stated that this tragic event has raised alarms about safety in the Riverside neighborhood. Police confirm that the suspect had a history with the victims, marking this incident as particularly distressing for the community.
Second Incident: Homicide of Keshawn Cage
Just two days after the double homicide, police responded to another violent incident in the same area. On Wednesday night, they discovered the body of Keshawn Cage, a 20-year-old man, near the intersection of Burton Drive and Oltorf Street. This crime has been noted as the city’s 53rd homicide of the year.
Authorities have clarified that this second homicide is unrelated to the double homicide earlier in the week, but both incidents have resulted in heightened concerns regarding violence along Burton Drive.
A Troubling Trend
The recent deaths are not isolated incidents. In July of this year alone, two other homicides took place on Burton Drive. On July 18, police responded to a call about a shooting, finding Jose Ramon Lizarraga Boca Negra injured in a home with gunshot wounds; he later died. Just a week later, on July 24, Javier Antonio Navarro Quesada, a man in his 20s, was stabbed to death in a nearby location, with police arresting 34-year-old Alex Trevino in connection to that incident.
These patterns have sparked ongoing discussions about community safety in the area, which falls under City Council District 3. Local council member Jose Velasquez has been vocal about the need for improved safety measures and has collaborated with the Austin Police Department and community leaders to find solutions.
Community Response and Support
The city has invested in community programs designed to tackle this issue. ATX Peace, a community violence intervention group, has been actively working to address the unrest in Riverside and South Pleasant Valley. Their approach involves connecting with residents to understand the underlying issues contributing to violence.
Following the recent tragedies, ATX Peace staff canvassed the neighborhood, distributing pamphlets and reaching out to those affected by the violence. ATX Peace emphasizes that lasting solutions must come from within the community itself. They advocate for prevention measures, intending to break the cycle of violence that plagues the area. Residents are encouraged to contact the group at (512) 366-8131 if they have been impacted by gun violence or wish to get involved in ongoing community efforts.
Final Thoughts
The string of violent incidents on Burton Drive serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by communities. Local leaders and organizations are working tirelessly to foster a safer environment for all residents. As they strive towards peaceful solutions, the involvement and voices of those within the community remain crucial in this fight against violence.
