Man killed in Wells Branch shooting was shot in self-defense, says APD

A man killed at a Wells Branch apartment complex early Saturday morning was shot in self-defense, says Austin police.

Tony Ray Green Jr., 22, was found unresponsive near building 16 of the Madison at Wells Branch apartment complex at 13601 Elm Ridge Lane by Austin fire, police and EMS units. Austin 911 received multiple calls of possible gunshots at the complex around 2:13 a.m. Saturday.

According to APD, Green had obvious trauma to his body and despite life-saving efforts, he died from his injuries at the scene at 2:36 a.m.

Witness statements revealed that Green and an unidentified black male kicked in the door to David Smith's apartment in an attempt to rob him. According to an APD release, Smith shot Green in self-defense and the other man fled the scene.

Smith was arrested on a marijuana charge and booked into the Travis County jail. 

Following an autopsy Sunday, the Travis County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death a homicide and the case has been sent to the District Attorney's office for review. 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS, text "Tip 103" + a message to CRIMES, use the Crime Stoppers App or email APD Homicide at homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. Tips can be submitted anonymously and by also downloading APD's mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android. 

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