Suspect Identified and Charged

Tyrone Thompson, 23, has been charged with murder following a deadly hit-and-run incident in Downtown Austin during South by Southwest, according to court documents. The incident occurred at the intersection of East Seventh and Red River streets on Tuesday, March 12.

Incident Details

Thompson allegedly hit two pedestrians at the aforementioned intersection before being arrested following a separate crash. One of the victims, 26-year-old Cody Shelton, tragically died at the scene.

Police Pursuit and Arrest

Court documents reveal that Austin Police Department officers attempted a traffic stop on Thompson’s vehicle after observing suspicious behavior related to drug activity and violent crimes. However, Thompson evaded the officers, running red lights in the process, ultimately leading to the fatal collision.

Subsequent Events

Shortly after the hit-and-run, Thompson was involved in another crash on Wolfe Lane in Del Valle, where he exhibited noncompliant behavior toward law enforcement officers. Despite claiming that he hadn’t been driving the car, Thompson’s statements were contradicted by evidence and witness testimony.

Charges and Allegations

In addition to the murder charge, Thompson faces several other charges, including accident involving death, obstruction or retaliation, driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest, and unlawful carry of a weapon.

Suspected Substance Use

Authorities found a bottle of tequila and a loaded gun in Thompson’s vehicle, and it is believed that he was under the influence of methamphetamine and/or crack cocaine, along with alcohol, at the time of the incident.

Legal Proceedings

Thompson has been booked into the Travis County Jail to await trial for the aforementioned charges.

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