South Austin homicide: Man shot by homeowner during burglary

AUSTIN, Texas - A man shot and killed early Wednesday morning was in the middle of burglarizing a South Austin home, Austin police say.

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What they're saying:

Austin police responded to a report of a burglary at a home in the 200 block of Virtus Bend just before 4 a.m.

When officers arrived, they found 24-year-old Dmario Antonie Jones with gunshot wounds. EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Jones was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:10 a.m.

A preliminary investigation determined that Jones entered the home and went into the bedroom. Jones was then shot by the homeowner while burglarizing the home.

What's next:

APD says that the homeowner was interviewed by detectives and has been fully cooperative with the investigation.

The homeowner was released, and no charges have been filed at this time.

What you can do:

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

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

This is Austin's 43rd homicide of the year.

Burglary investigation

Dig deeper:

Police said throughout the investigation, it was determined that Jones did not know the homeowners and did not target them to burglarize their home. 

Investigators believe Jones may have been responsible for more thefts and burglaries in the area. 

If you believe your home was broken into, and you have items missing, between the evening of Sept. 22 and the early morning hours of Sept. 23, and live in or near the area of Verrado and Peaceful Hill neighborhoods, please email Homicide.APD@austintexas.gov or call (512) 974-5210.

Crime and Public SafetySouth Austin