AUSTIN -- Families of the two men who died in the series of Austin explosions have released statements thanking law enforcement for their diligent work in March.
Elliot House, Anthony Stephan House's father, released the following statement:
To Steve Adler, APD, FBI, ATF
I wish to express my deepest appreciation for the exhaustive efforts and work, of the Austin Police Department, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agency, and other agencies that participated in this investigation of the series of explosive devices. Hopefully, the death of the bomb maker suspect ends the ring of fear and terror in the Austin area, although it leaves a few questions, shared with both the family of my son, Anthony House, and 17 year-old Draylen Mason, both being black and the only deaths in the series of bombings. We are plagued with how they were selected and why.
Why the series of bomb attacks? I appreciated the personal condolence from Mr.
Christopher Combs, of the FBI, and his assurance that they will catch the person or
persons responsible for the death of my son. As the FBI is part of my business family, I cherish the hugs and compassion shown to me. Coincidentally, my son, Stephan, worked with me on projects involving the FBI office areas. I also cherish the personal call from Mayor Steve Adler, who first offered his condolence, but more important, apologized for the initial investigation of the bombing involving my son by APD, which investigation was realined, unfortunately by the death of Draylen Mason and serious injury to Ms. Herarra. I put to rest my son March 10, 2018, and Draylen Mason will be put to rest March 31, 2018. I have lost two sons, one April 15, 1994, and my second on March 2, 2018. I have no more
sons. I continue to mourn my losses. But continue the good work.
-Elliot House
Father of Anthony Stephan House
House was the first victim killed in the Austin explosions in March 2018.
Family members of 17-year-old package explosion victim Draylen Mason released a statement Wednesday to our media partners at the Austin American-Statesman thanking law enforcement and sending their condolences to others who were affected by the recent explosions in Austin, as well.
Mason was the second victim killed by the recent explosions, who died on March 12 after picking up a package that he found placed outside of his home. His mother was also injured in the blast.
The full statement is below:
We want to thank the law enforcement officials who have worked diligently on this case. We have been humbled by the overwhelming support of the community and of those who loved Draylen as we did. Our hearts also go out to the families who have been impacted by these senseless crimes and we pray for them as well.
We are a family of faith and we know that with God all things are possible. The most recent chain of events have brought some sense of closure that our beloved has received justice and we are prayerful that we can now start to move forward with our lives. While we never imagined that he would not be with us at this time, we are comforted to know that Draylen has received the reward of eternal life that can only be granted by Our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. We await that day when we can rejoice in Our Lord and see Draylen once again.
The bombing suspect has since been identified as 23-year-old Mark Conditt after he took his life by detonating a bomb inside of his vehicle as police closed in on him early Wednesday morning.
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