by | Published
An incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, October 7, 2023, in the 9200 block of North Plaza, resulting in the death of 26-year-old Cristian Raudales Melendez. Austin Police Department (APD) Officers responded to a call at approximately 1:05 AM reporting a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Melendez with gunshot wounds.
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) transported Melendez to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 6:09 AM.
During the subsequent investigation, Homicide Detectives determined that Melendez had been involved in a verbal dispute with 23-year-old Edwin Emilson Diaz. The altercation escalated, and Diaz allegedly shot Melendez, leading to his death.
Diaz has been charged with First-Degree Felony Murder in connection with the shooting.
Detectives encourage anyone with information or video of the incident to call APD Homicide at 512-974-TIPS, the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), use the new Crime Stoppers App or email APD Homicide at homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. You may remain anonymous.
This case is being investigated as Austin's 52nd homicide of 2023.
