AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Monday, the Austin Police Department identified the man following his body being found below a bridge in east Austin Friday. Police said they were investigating his death as a homicide.
In a news release Monday, police identified the victim as Angel Santos-Martinez. Detectives believe Martinez was in his early 20s.
APD responded to the 2900 block of Lovell Drive, which is just northeast of the Morris Williams Golf Course, at 9:50 a.m. after someone who was walking their dog nearby called 911 and reported seeing a man face down near a creek below a bridge.
Corporal Jose Mendez provided as many details as he said was possible Friday afternoon, though there weren't many to share as the investigation was only about two hours underway, he said.
Police described the victim on Friday as having "obvious trauma to his body." Police said the victim appeared to have two tattoos, one reading "Angel" and the other "Martinez." APD is asking for the public's help to identify him and any "unknown suspects who remain at large."
"If anyone in the community knew Angel, we ask that you reach out to the Austin Police Department homicide unit so detectives can gather more information to assist with their investigation," APD said in the release Monday.
APD, Austin-Travis County EMS, and the Austin Fire Department all responded to the scene, but they were unable to provide medical care or attempt life-saving measures "due to the fact that he had been there for quite some time," Mendez said. He did not have any further information on how long the man could have been there.
Homicide detectives, crime scene specialists, and APD officers were still on scene midday Friday, canvassing the area and looking for surveillance and other potential evidence.
Mendez said that police cannot determine that it's an isolated incident, and encouraged the public and the immediate surrounding area to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.
APD is asking that anyone with information report it to the homicide tip line at 512-477-3588 or Austin Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477 or online.
"I assure the family that we will do everything that we can to find out what took place here, why this happened," Mendez said.
Lovell Drive was shut down for a while Friday to allow for a thorough investigation. Mendez said people who lived in the taped-off area could approach an officer and let them know, and they'd be allowed back to their home.
As of Monday, no other details were provided by police.
