Austin police have charged a man with first-degree murder following a shooting that took the life of Joe Santos Gonzales. The Austin Police Department responded to a distress call late Tuesday, March 19th at the Fort Branch Apartments, as outlined in a recent press release.

Upon arrival at the 5800 block of Techni Center Drive, just past 11 p.m., law enforcement found Gonzales with critical injuries. Despite the urgent efforts of Austin-Travis County EMS and Austin Fire Department personnel, Gonzales succumbed to his wounds at the scene.

Homicide detectives launched an immediate investigation, which, according to the Austin Police Department report, suggests that the victim and his roommate, Isidro Sanchez Navarrette, entered a heated verbal exchange that escalated fatally. Navarrette is presently detained at the Travis County jail, facing charges for his alleged role in Gonzalez's death.

The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force intervened, apprehending Navarrette without incident. There has been a call for public assistance in the ongoing investigation. Individuals with information are encouraged to reach out to the Austin Police Department tip line or submit anonymously via the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program, the authorities stipulated.

The Austin Police Department and the District Attorney's Office will continue their work, and as the case against Navarrette moves ahead.