20-Year-Old David Michael Justus Killed in Llano County Brawl

A 20-year-old man, David Michael Justus, of Lakeway, has died following a large brawl in Llano County. Llano County Sheriff Bill Blackburn said that the fight involved about 30 teens and young adults, some from Austin.

"It was a party that got out of hand." - Sheriff Bill Blackburn

According to Justus' obituary, he died on July 23 from "trauma injuries" sustained in the assault.

The Investigation:

• Ryan Moore and Francisco Reyes, both 19, have been arrested and charged with manslaughter.
• A third, unnamed suspect has an active arrest warrant and is currently wanted by police.
• Sheriff Blackburn anticipates more arrests as the investigation continues.

The Incident:

• The brawl occurred on July 14 at a home on Mesquite Drive in Kingsland.
• A disagreement resulted in one group throwing a beer can at another, escalating the violence.
• Cellphone footage shows multiple assailants piling on top of Justus.
• Justus appeared to have been knocked to the ground, hitting his head on concrete, according to Sheriff Blackburn.

The Victim:

• David Michael Justus was a 2023 graduate of Lake Travis High School and an Austin Community College student.
• He was known for his passionate personality, with a love for sports and learning.
• Survivors include his parents, Dave and Daya; his brother, Dawson; and his girlfriend, Saylor Davis.

Original Sources:

• https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/lakeway-tx/david-justus-11908533
• https://www.statesman.com/news/2023/07/27/david-michael-justus-dead-manslaughter-llano-party-brawl-david-justus-lake-travis/