Austin Police Investigating Homicide at Homeless Encampment

On Thursday, April 20, 2023, at approximately 11:02 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a homeless encampment in a wooded area behind Best Buy at 4900 block of W US 290 SVRD. A man called 911, reporting someone stopped him and told him that an individual had been shot within the camp. APD officers arrived and located John Powers, who had been shot. Powers died on the scene. 

Investigators responded to the scene and began to interview witnesses. Throughout the investigation, several persons of interest were identified.

Anyone with any information should 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. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.

This case is being investigated as Austin’s 25th homicide of 2023.