Naked Gunman’s Unprovoked Attack Claims Life of a Man at an Austin Super 8 Motel

On Thursday, February 1, 2024, at around 12:02 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a gun call at the Super 8 Motel located at 4200 S IH 35. The call reported a disturbance involving 41-year-old Rahsaan Dobbins, who was said to be in trouble, with armed individuals present. Upon arrival, officers heard gunshots and discovered Dobbins, nude and armed, having just shot another man on the motel premises.

The victim, identified as 45-year-old Warnero Young, a black male, succumbed to his injuries despite attempts by EMS to save him. Homicide detectives and crime scene specialists were called in to investigate the incident.

Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that Dobbins, experiencing a state of paranoia, opened his motel room door and fatally shot Young, who happened to be on the motel stairs at the time. Notably, Dobbins admitted to not knowing the victim.

In response, officers issued commands to Dobbins, who complied and was subsequently taken into custody. Dobbins now faces charges of 1st Degree Felony Murder and has been booked into the Travis County Jail.

Anyone with any 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 by calling 512-472-8477.