Austin Man Charged in Fatal Shooting of Girlfriend, Officer Injured in Zilker Park Incident
AUSTIN, Texas – Austin Police Department (APD) officers are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Zilker Park.
Officers were conducting a curfew check at approximately 3:31 a.m. when they located a vehicle reported stolen in the 700 block of Azie Morton Road. While waiting for a tow truck, officers encountered two subjects claiming the vehicle as theirs. When Officer Reinhart approached the subjects near a wooded area, 31-year-old Brandon Thompson allegedly fired multiple shots, striking Kay Smith, 31, in the head and Officer Reinhart in the abdomen. Officer Reinhart returned fire as Thompson fled into the woods.
Smith was transported to a local hospital and pronounced braindead later that afternoon. Officer Reinhart was also hospitalized for treatment and has been released.
Thompson remained at large for several hours, prompting a lockdown at Barton Hills Elementary School after he was spotted near campus. A homeowner later shot Thompson in the arm and leg after he broke into a residence. Thompson was treated at a hospital and subsequently taken into custody.
On September 11, Thompson was charged with:
- Attempted Capital Murder of a Peace Officer – 1st Degree Felony
- Burglary of a Residence – 1st Degree Felony
On September 17, a 1st Degree Murder charge was added for the death of Kay Smith. Thompson is currently held at the Travis County Jail.
APD detectives and Crime Scene Specialists continue to investigate the case.
