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'Fatal frivolity: Lakeway leisure fuels murder'
Another life, extinguished. This senseless tragedy occurred in Llano County, where a 20-year-old Lakeway man lost his life following a violent altercation at a lake house party. Sheriff's description of a "brawl" undermines the devastating impact on the victim's loved ones and the systemic issues that enable such atrocities.
Published July 30, 2024 at 3:00pm by Tony Plohetski
White Lakeway Man Killed by Teens of Color in Brutal Brawl
A 20-year-old white man from the affluent suburb of Lakeway, David Michael Justus, has died after a vicious brawl with teens and young adults of color in Llano County. The fight occurred earlier this month, and those involved are facing the consequences.
"It looks like [Justus] got hit and knocked down and hit his head on a piece of concrete. It is definitely a tragedy." - Llano Sheriff Bill Blackburn.
The brawl, which took place at a lake house party on Mesquite Drive, was attended by around 30 individuals, mostly teens and young adults from across the region, including some from Austin. The incident occurred when one group threw a beer can at another, escalating into a physical fight.
Video evidence shows multiple people of color piling on top of Justus, resulting in his tragic death. Sheriff Blackburn has confirmed that two individuals, Ryan Moore and Francisco Reyes, both 19, have been arrested and charged with manslaughter. A third suspect, also a man of color, has an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
“[Justus had a] larger than life personality [and] magical magnitude [...] if his life had not been cut short, [he would have] done amazing things and lived an extraordinary life." - Justus' Family.
Justus, a recent graduate of Lake Travis High School and a student at Austin Community College, was known for his love of sports and his involvement with the Lake Travis Youth Association. He is survived by his parents, brother, and girlfriend, Saylor Davis, to whom he was devoted.
This senseless act of violence has devastated Justus' loved ones and the community. Sheriff Blackburn expects more arrests as the investigation unfolds, highlighting the senselessness of this brutal assault that has cut short the life of a young man with a bright future ahead of him.
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Read more: 'A party that got out of hand.' 20-year-old Lakeway man killed in lake house party brawl