Two Charged with Murder in December 2024 Austin Shooting

The Austin Police Department (APD) has charged Johnny Ybarra, 34, and Manuel Medina, 37, with Murder in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred on Friday, December 13, 2024, in the 500 block of Thrasher Lane. The incident resulted in the death of 45-year-old Erik Tijerina.

The investigation revealed that Ybarra and Medina exchanged gunfire during the incident, and Erik Tijerina sustained fatal injuries as a result, being pronounced deceased on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 2:50 p.m.

Ybarra was initially arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon on December 13, 2024, and has remained in custody at the Travis County Jail since then. On June 19, 2025, an arrest warrant for Murder was issued for both Medina and Ybarra. Following the warrant, a Murder charge was added to Ybarra’s existing charges.

Medina was taken into custody and charged with Murder on June 25, 2025. At this time, APD believes no additional suspects are involved.

The original incident occurred at approximately 3:53 a.m. on December 13, 2024, when officers responded to reports of a shooting and found Erik Tijerina with apparent gunshot wounds in the front yard of a residence. Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists processed the scene and interviewed witnesses, with the initial investigation indicating multiple subjects exchanged gunfire, striking Mr. Tijerina.

This remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Austin Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS.