East Austin Park Shooting Leaves 1 Dead (Updated)

AUSTIN, TEXAS — An East Austin shooting late Tuesday left a man dead, officials said.

The incident occurred at Givens Park, 3911 E. 12th St., at around 10:45 p.m. Police have since identified the shooting victim as Andre Lanier Davis Jr., who was 47 years old at the time of his death.

In an early Wednesday press briefing, Officer Michael Bullock of the Austin Police Department briefed reporters on the incident early Wednesday, saying the suspect was still at large. A police helicopter was dispatched to search for the suspect from the air without success.

Later, police said robbery appears to have been the motive. One of the suspects is described as being tall, stocky and last seen wearing a black jacket. The suspects were possibly seen leaving in a black Nissan car, police said in a press advisory.

Investigators were at Givens Park well past the time of the incident stretching into early Wednesday morning, and police advise residents to avoid the area.

Despite the presence of others at the time the shooting took place, no witnesses had come forward, Bullock suggested. He asked anyone with information or who may have been in the area at the time of the incident to call the police tip line at (512) 477.3588.

Givens Park is a community focal point in East Austin, housing a recreation center, neighborhood swimming pool, pavilion, two lighted tennis courts, playscape, a large picnic area, and two softball fields, as outlined in a municipal website. The adjacent rec center consists of a full size gymnasium, meeting/dance room, weight / boxing room, kitchen, and administrative offices. Givens Recreation Center offers Youth, Teen, Totally Cool Totally Art and Adult Programs as well as special events.

Related story: North Austin Shooting Leaves 1 Dead

Just hours later, police responded to a second shooting in North Austin that left another man dead. Police continue to look for the suspect in that case, identified only as a black adult male. Lt. James Greenwalt later staged a press conference to discuss the two shootings that took place within hours of each other.