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Man’s death in east Austin being investigated as city’s 16th homicide of 2026

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Updated  March 23, 2026 4:25pm CDT
Austin
FOX 7 Austin
Austin police cruisers block the scene of a homicide on Loyola Lane on March 22, 2026. article

Austin police cruisers block the scene of a homicide on Loyola Lane on March 22, 2026. (FOX 7 Austin)

The Brief

    • A man in his 40s was found dead in the 4700 block of Loyola Lane, according to Austin police.
    • Authorities said they were called to the scene about 5 p.m. Sunday after reports of a shooting or stabbing in the area.
    • Detectives are investigating the death as Austin’s 16th homicide of the year.

AUSTIN, Texas - A man’s death Sunday in east Austin is being investigated as the city’s 16th homicide of the year, according to police.

The man has been identified as 47-year-old Nicholas Zarate.

What we know:

Austin police officer Aaron Townsend said authorities were called to the 4700 block of Loyola Lane about 5 p.m. after reports of a shooting or stabbing in the area.

Officers arrived and found the body of a man in his 40s, Townsend said.

Detectives have started gathering evidence and surveillance footage; so far the investigation has shown Zarate was shot and killed by a suspect who then fled on foot.

What you can do:

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Austin Police at 512-974-TIPS. 

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by going online or calling 512-472-8477. 

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

The Source: Information in this story came from Austin police.

AustinEast AustinCrime and Public Safety