Harris County Sheriff Seeks Help in 2023 Murder of Austin Kanuch; $20k Reward Offered

Nearly two years after the brutal stabbing death of 39-year-old Austin Adam Kanuch, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has renewed its plea for information, now backed by a $20,000 reward from Crime Stoppers of Houston for tips leading to an arrest.

Kanuch was found fatally stabbed inside his home on Greenleaf Lake Drive on the morning of September 22, 2023. Investigators say an unknown suspect broke into the residence while Kanuch was sleeping. Authorities believe the attack was deliberate, but the motive remains unclear.

Kanuch’s mother, Celene Miller, described her son as “bigger than life” with “a large voice, a big smile,” and said his loss weighs heavily on the family. “Every night and morning you wake up with the same feeling, and it sits heavy on your heart,” Miller said.

Newly released surveillance video from the early morning hours of the murder shows a suspect, described as a thin-built post-adolescent male or female, riding a mountain bike near the home. The footage captures the individual traveling northbound on Spring Green Drive around 3:23 a.m., and then heading southbound just over an hour later, after the time Kanuch was killed.

Detective Kalan Turner stated, “He was a nice guy, everyone loved him. What is shocking about this case is it could be anyone. We believe someone knows who this person is. We will find you.”

The weapon used in the stabbing has not been recovered, and no arrests have been made.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez stressed the department’s commitment to solving the case. “Solving Austin’s case is a priority for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. We urge anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to come forward. The smallest detail could be the key to bringing closure to Austin’s family and justice to his killer.”

Crime Stoppers of Houston has increased its reward to $20,000 to encourage anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477).

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division can also be contacted directly at 281-564-5988.

Authorities continue to investigate and urge the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect seen in the surveillance footage.