AUSTIN, Texas — A reward up to $1,000 is being offered for details that could lead to an arrest in the death of a 24-year-old Austin man earlier this year.
In a media briefing Friday, the Austin Police Department (APD) asked for the public's help as investigators try to figure out what happened to Cristian Rangel in the moments leading up to his death in April.
"He had his whole life ahead of him," Rangel's mother, Misty Moon, said Friday. "A life filled with promise, love and many dreams yet to be fulfilled. His smile would light up any room, and he had such compassion for everyone."
In addition to the $1,000 from the Capital Area Crime Stoppers, Rangel's family is also offering a reward of $9,000 for anyone who knows more information about what happened to him.
Anyone with additional details is asked to submit tips to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 512-472-8477. Tipsters can also reach out to APD directly at 512-974-TIPS.
What we know about Christian Rangel's death
Rangel was originally reported missing on April 8. He had plans to go to the Walmart located at 5017 W. U.S. Hwy 290 and was last seen at his apartment in southwest Austin.
Eleven days later, on April 19, his body was discovered in a field in the 5800 block of Spring Meadow Road.
Security footage showed Rangel enter a white GMC Terrain in the Walmart parking lot on April 8, with a woman later identified as Kamery Woolridge. The video also showed Rangel attempting to get out of the car.
On May 13, 31-year-old Woolridge was charged with the second-degree felony of tampering with human remains. She was arrested on June 4.
Woolridge is now out on bond, and police are attempting to learn more about the timeframe between when Rangel was seen inside the vehicle and when his body was found.
Police are investigating his death as a homicide.