Family of East Austin man gunned down, looking for answers

Twenty-year-old Damarcio White was killed early Monday morning

A teddy bear, a gentle giant these are all words 20-year-old Damarcio White's family uses to describe him.

“That was my son, even though he was my nephew, he was my son” said Sara Harper, aunt.

It was Monday morning just after 6:00 a.m., when APD received a call about a shooting at the Reserve at Springdale complex. Officers found White shot dead at his apartment.

“I'm told him and this alleged person had a physical altercation about 48 hours ago. The person pretty much lost the battle, came back and killed him on his front doorstep,” said Tenisha Harper, aunt.

Austin police have not confirmed the circumstances surrounding his death, but his family, is questioning who would want him dead.

“You cowardly lost in a physical battle with your hands. You had to come back with ammunition and gun a man down,” said Harper.

“We believe the victim was targeted so this is not a random act,” said Lt. Jason Staniszewski, Austin Police Department.

His family says White attended LBJ High School, and had dreams of playing college football. He became close friends with the late coach Andrew Jackson.

“He moved in with Coach ‘Jack’ for about two semesters and he taught Damarcio a lot. Damarcio was a good boy, good young man. He had problems. They all do at such a young age. But he was my big baby,” said Sara.

The coming days, months and years will be tough for White’s loved ones. But they say seeing his image in his seven-month-old daughter, will comfort them in their time of grief.

“She is his twin. He left us her. I think he's going to not only live through her, but all of us,” said Sara.

Police have not released a suspect description. If you know anything, call the Austin Police Department at 512-472-TIPS.