Austin Man Convicted of Murdering Cousin, Sentenced to 20 Years

Elvin Salvador Tinoco-Orosco, 37, has been convicted of murder by a Travis County jury and sentenced to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The verdict was reached on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, with sentencing following on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

The conviction stems from the October 16, 2023, death of his cousin, Jader Francisco Tinoco Salgado, 38. The Austin Police Department (APD) responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting in the parking lot of a shopping center at 2237 E Riverside Drive. Security officers at the scene found an unresponsive man with a gunshot wound to the head and another individual covered in blood.

Upon arrival, APD officers attempted life-saving measures on Tinoco Salgado, but he succumbed to his injuries. A witness interviewed by officers stated they saw Tinoco-Orosco and the victim arguing in the parking lot before Tinoco-Orosco shot the victim. Security officers also reported seeing Tinoco-Orosco drag the victim. A handgun, believed to be the murder weapon, was later discovered in the driver’s seat of Tinoco-Orosco’s vehicle.

Tinoco-Orosco was indicted for murder by a Travis County grand jury on December 21, 2023.

Assistant District Attorneys Habon Mohamed and Willa Cockshutt prosecuted the case, with support from Victim Counselor Lolita Rattler, Investigator Fred Spencer, and Paralegal Devota Swenson. Austin Police Department Detectives Katy Conner and Richard Spitler investigated the case.

“Our office is grateful to our committed staff and law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to hold the defendant accountable and seek justice for the victim’s family,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “We hope this verdict continues to help the victim’s family with their healing journey.”