Homicide on W Braker Ln: Austin Police Seek Public Assistance

The Austin Police Department Homicide Unit responded to a check welfare call on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 1708 W Braker Ln. The caller reported an injured man lying in the alley, prompting action from law enforcement.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, later identified as 28-year-old Hector Diaz-Esparza, lying on the ground with visible injuries. Despite the immediate response from Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Diaz could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at 6:06 a.m.

The Homicide Unit, along with Crime Scene Specialists, initiated an investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings indicate that Diaz was attacked by unidentified individuals who fled the scene. The victim displayed clear signs of physical assault, suggesting he had been severely beaten.

On December 27, 2023, the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office conducted an autopsy, determining that the cause of death was blunt force trauma, classified as a homicide.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward. The Austin Police Department’s Homicide unit can be reached at 512-974-TIPS or via email at homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. A potential reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.

This incident marks Austin’s 73rd homicide of 2023, prompting a focused effort by law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.