Shannon Smith Identified as Victim killed in Downtown Austin Fatal Incident

AUSTIN, TX – The Austin Police Department has identified the woman who was killed early Monday morning in downtown Austin. The incident occurred on August 26 at approximately 1:38 a.m., when officers were flagged down by a concerned citizen reporting a woman bleeding in an alley in the 500 block of East 6th Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered 42-year-old Shannon Smith lying on the ground with visible bloodstains on her clothing. Despite efforts to save her, Smith later succumbed to her injuries.

As officers began their investigation, a bystander approached the scene and claimed to have information about the person responsible for Smith’s death. Acting on this tip, police located 54-year-old Gregory Watkins, a man who uses a wheelchair. According to Watkins, the confrontation began when Smith allegedly approached him with a knife and robbed him of his money and drugs. In response, Watkins admitted to striking Smith with a metal rod, which he had been holding at the time.

The Travis County District Attorney’s Office has since reviewed the case, and no charges have been filed against Watkins. Investigators are still gathering details, and the incident remains under active investigation. Watkins was questioned by authorities and later released.

This case has drawn significant attention given the circumstances surrounding the altercation and the involvement of a person with a disability. As detectives work to piece together the events leading up to Smith’s death, they are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. The Austin Police Department stressed the importance of community cooperation in resolving such cases and provided information on how to report tips anonymously.

The public can share information through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for tips that lead to an arrest, as officials continue their efforts to determine whether additional factors contributed to the deadly encounter.

As the investigation unfolds, downtown residents and business owners are left grappling with the tragedy that took place in the heart of the city. The area surrounding East 6th Street is known for its nightlife, but incidents like this underscore the complexities and risks present in urban environments. The Austin Police Department is committed to a thorough examination of the incident and ensuring justice is served where necessary.