Three teenagers have been charged in connection with a string of at least a dozen shootings across Austin over the weekend that left four people injured, though many residents are voicing outrage that the teens were not charged with attempted murder.
The 15-, 16- and 17-year-old suspects were taken into custody Sunday following a multi-agency manhunt that stretched into Manor. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the group drove stolen vehicles and fired at homes, apartment buildings and fire stations in south and east Austin from Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning. One 15-year-old had stolen a firearm from a gun store earlier that day, while the 17-year-old had an active warrant for a similar theft from the same location.
The 17-year-old, identified as Cristian Fajardo Mondragon, faces multiple charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, evading arrest and theft of a firearm. The three teens have also been charged with aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest with a vehicle, according to authorities. Formal charges remain under review, and officials have not filed attempted murder counts.
Four people were injured in the shootings, though none of the injuries were reported as life-threatening. No fatalities occurred. Police described the attacks as a mix of random and possibly targeted incidents with no clear motive identified.
The violence prompted a shelter-in-place order in parts of south Austin and drew swift public reaction. Many Austin residents have expressed frustration online and in local discussions that the charges do not include attempted murder, given the number of shots fired in populated areas.
Austin and Manor police departments coordinated the response, with assistance from regional partners. The investigation remains active as detectives review evidence and interview witnesses.
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