Austin Man Charged With Murder After Elderly Victim Dies From Assault Injuries

AUSTIN, TX – An Austin man is now charged with murder after a 66-year-old man who was found critically injured outside an apartment complex died from his injuries, police said.

Austin Police officers responded at 6:46 p.m. January 31, 2026, to an urgent welfare check at 1054 Springdale Road after a caller reported an elderly man lying on the ground injured in front of an apartment. Officers arrived to find Robert Garcia, 66, unconscious and bleeding with significant head trauma. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Police identified the suspect as 38-year-old Raymond Ware, who was inside a nearby apartment. Officers attempted to persuade Ware to surrender, but he refused to exit. Aggravated Assault Detectives, crime scene specialists and SWAT units responded. The SWAT team took Ware into custody. Authorities said he declined to provide a statement and later attempted to escape while in custody at the APD main station.

Investigators determined Ware confronted Garcia at his residence and violently assaulted him. Ware was initially charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

On February 4, Garcia died from his injuries. An arrest warrant for murder was obtained February 10, and Ware has now been charged with murder.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.  

This case is being investigated as Austin’s 7th homicide of 2026.