Austin Elderly Disabled Man Dies After Assault

On the evening of Saturday, November 18, 2023, at approximately 9:17 p.m., Austin Police officers were dispatched to an urgent check welfare call involving a man found on the ground, not breathing, with CPR in progress.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the individual, identified as 68-year-old Baron Godwin, unresponsive. Despite life-saving efforts, Godwin was pronounced deceased at the location.

Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Specialists were called to the scene to initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Godwin’s death. Initial findings suggest that Godwin, who was on his wheelchair, may have been the victim of an attack by 62-year-old Ronnie Green. The nature of this assault is believed to have led to Godwin’s death.

Subsequently, Ronnie Green was taken into custody by the Austin Police Department. Green now faces a charge of Injury to the Elderly, classified as a 3rd Degree Felony. A $50,000 bond has been set for his release.

Anyone with any information should contact APD’s Homicide unit at 512-974-TIPS, or email APD Homicide at homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. 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 62nd homicide of 2023.