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Teen arrested after shooting death in South Austin parking lot outside LA Fitness

The Austin Police Department said officers responded to the area of West Slaughter Lane and Menchaca Road, near the LA Fitness gym.

AUSTIN, Texas — A teen has been charged with murder in connection to a man who was shot and killed in a parking lot in South Austin on Monday night.

According to an affidavit from the Austin Police Department, officers responded to the area of West Slaughter Lane and Menchaca Road, near the LA Fitness gym, just after 8 p.m. after reports of multiple shots fired.

A man called 911 to report that as he was walking across the parking lot from the gym, he heard people arguing in Spanish before he heard gunshots. The caller then reported that a man, later identified as 36-year-old Jose Alberto Aguirre Castellanos, was lying on the ground and not breathing.

Witnesses told police that three cars were involved in the shooting and were seen taking off after the gunshots were fired.

RELATED: Teen arrested after shooting death in South Austin parking lot outside LA Fitness

Some of the cars were reported to be speeding through the surrounding neighborhoods and some of the people in the cars ran through the neighborhoods. Police officers were able to track down some of the men who fled and determine who the shooting suspect was.

Juan Lopez-Espinoza, 18, has been charged with murder in connection to the shooting.

On Aug. 3, officials announced a second suspect was arrested in Colorado in link to the case. A third suspect is still missing.

It appears to be an isolated incident, police said. Officials added that they believe narcotics and robbery appear to be the motive. 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact APD at 512-477-3588 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 512-472-TIPS.

This is Austin's 30th homicide of 2022.

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