Woman charged with murder after shooting, hit-and-run

Family and friends of 30-year old Jason Aranda are left wondering why he was killed the way he was.

“He deserved so much better, his kids deserve to have him here. It's just not fair that's he's gone,” said Renee Fuentes, Jason’s friend.

Austin police say on Thursday, Aranda had been in an altercation at an apartment with his ex-girlfriend, and 24-year-old Cierra Powell, a friend of Aranda’s ex. They say he drove from the apartment with his 13-year-old son in the car with him and Powell followed behind. Powell claims Aranda got out of his car and threatened her.

“Jason was a big teddy bear. Jason was not the type of person who liked confrontation,” said Fuentes.

However, after interviewing witnesses, police could not verify that story. Police say Aranda got out the car, that's when Powell struck him with her car, shot him and left the scene afterward.

“I've heard first accounts of people telling they saw his body laying there as they drove by right after and....that's not how Jason was known,” said Fuentes.

Police had enough evidence to arrest and charge Powell with first degree murder. 

“I was really upset for his boys, his boys meant everything to him,” said Jennifer Martinez, Jason’s friend.

Until the case plays out in court, those who loved the father of four, are left to remember him with pictures and sharing stories of times together

“His family is left to pick up the pieces for his children, what about them?” said Fuentes.

“He didn't deserve to die the way he did and I hope justice is served.

To help the Aranda family, visit https://www.gofundme.com/children-of-jason-aranda