Charges dropped against two teens in Downtown Austin shooting, new suspect at large
Austin, Texas – On Tuesday morning, the Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza announced they had dropped all charges against the two original suspsects, as law enforcement officers continue their manhunt for the latest suspect.
In a press conference recorded by KVUE on Tuesday, the Austin Police Department and district attorney gave an update on the June 12 mass shooting on 6th Street, noting the charges against the two initial suspects, Jeremiah Tabb (17) and an unnamed 15-year-old, had been dropped.
Law enforcement has now filed a new murder charge against 19-year-old De'Ondre Jemirris White, the latest prime suspect in the shooting.
Interim Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon said that based on ballistic evidence, video footage, and eyewitness interviews, officers were able to confirm that it was White who fired the shot that killed 25-year-old Douglas John Kantor, who was visiting the city from Michigan.
Despite the charges being dropped against Tabb, Chacon said the 17-year-old did meet up with White following the shooting to discuss the matter.
Tabb was originally detained and charged aggravated assault with a deadly weapon two days after gunshots were fired on 6th Street in the early hours of June 12, injuring 14 people and killing one.
As the search for White continues, officials warned the public to consider him "armed and dangerous", and to contact the authorities with any information on his whereabouts.
Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire