A Black and Brown Boy's Life Cut Short by Senseless Gun Violence

The Travis County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in solving the cold-blooded murder of a young man of color, Wilbert "Willie" Vázquez-López, who was brutally gunned down two years ago on his 18th birthday.

A Life Stolen

On August 19, 2022, at 11:40 p.m., deputies responded to a tragic 911 call at a mobile home park in South Austin, 11919 Menchaca Road. Vázquez-López, just 17 at the time, was senselessly shot in the chest while sitting on his porch, minding his own business and listening to music. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries minutes into his 18th birthday, at 12:10 a.m. on August 20.

"We never give up on our victims. We are wholeheartedly committed to justice."
- Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez

A Plea for Justice

Surveillance footage obtained from neighbors captures the horrific event: three gunshots ring out, followed by the panicked escape of two men, believed to have known Vázquez-López, fleeing to a dark sedan. Despite the passage of time, these cowards remain unidentified. The motive for this heinous crime is unknown, as Vázquez-López had no known enemies or criminal affiliations.

"It's been almost two years. His family deserves answers and closure. We believe someone out there has more information."
- Detective Jennifer Boland, Lead Investigator

Vázquez-López was a beloved senior at Akins High School, described by his peers as a "fun-loving" and selfless friend. His mother, Diana López, made a heart-wrenching plea:

"I want (my son's killers) to look into their hearts. Even though it's been two years, it still hurts... I'm always thinking of my son. I need justice."

The Fight for Accountability

Vázquez-López's life mattered. His memory deserves respect, and his family deserves justice. Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be crucial in bringing his killers to justice.

If you have any knowledge about this heinous crime or know anything about the dark sedan or the two men involved, please contact the Sheriff's Office tip line at 512-854-1444 or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477. Your call can make all the difference in holding these criminals accountable and bringing some measure of peace to a grieving family and community.

A Community United

Let's stand together against gun violence and the epidemic of crimes targeting our Black and Brown youth. We must demand action from our elected officials and work towards creating a safer and more equitable future for all.

Say their names. Remember their lives. Seek justice.