A newborn child is one of the victims in a trio of recent homicides Austin police are investigating.
APD Sgt Eric Del Los Santos said all three cases are drug or marijuana related and fears that will complicate the investigations as some witnesses may be reluctant to come forward.
“We should say, that we don’t care that you’re selling the drugs in these murders. We’re interested in solving these murders. The fact that you may be selling is not really an important issue to us, what’s important is catching the killers in these cases.”
Del Los Santos said they are investigating the deaths of Luis Gerardo Gaytan, 21, who was found wounded in the 6800 blk. of Bitterroot Trail after a shooting, he later died at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center.
Del Los Santos explained the other two started out as home invasions, Cary Champlin, 43, was found dead inside a Southeast Austin apartment complex. The youngest victim is one week old Emery Guardiola, her mother was shot outside her South Austin Apartment while still pregnant with then unborn Emery, Del Los Santos said the mother was tended to by witnesses until Austin Travis County EMS medics arrived and rushed her to St. David’s South Austin Medical Center where Emery was delivered and then taken to Dell Children’s Medical Center. She was born Saturday July 20th, Del Los Santos said investigators were told the little newborn died last Sunday, July 28th.
APD does not believe the public is in any danger in relation to these crimes as they all seem to be targeted.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or text “Tip 103” + your message to CRIMES or use the new Crime Stoppers App or email APD Homicide at homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. You may remain anonymous.
(Photo:Shutterstock/Kokoulina)
