Dead body found in East Austin parking lot

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department is investigating after a body was found in East Austin.

Police said on Jan. 9, around 1:44 a.m., officers responded to a check welfare urgent call at 5707 Manor Road. The caller said they saw a body in the parking lot lying in a pool of blood.

"The complainant advised that they found a body lying in a pool of blood," Cpl. Matthew Nonweiler with APD said. 

Police did not specify what kind of injury it was, but said there were signs of trauma around the victim's neck. 

Police are interviewing a few witnesses. 

"It's a little too early to determine exactly what the weapon was," Nonweiler said.

Police later identified the body as 35-year-old Kelly Meazell.

This appears to be an isolated incident.

People nearby say crime is a big problem in the area. 

"These things are happening day in and day out," Chris Hill said. "It needs to stop, it's getting worse."

Crime data shows two other murders in the area in the last five years, along with numerous aggravated assaults, robberies, and thefts.

On August 22, 2020, Dontra Kinsey was shot and killed. Antonio Joiner was later convicted of his murder.

On May 9, 2023, Davante Reece was shot and killed. 

In November 2023, police renewed their call for tips in his murder. They said then there was a group of about 10–15 people around, but no arrests were made. It's not clear if the suspect was in that group or an off.

Meanwhile, APD says they're looking to increase their presence in certain parts of the city. 

"Chief [Lisa] Davis is trying to identify hot spots to prioritize patrol. I don't know if this is one of those spots right now," Nonweiler said.

This was the city's second homicide of the year.

If you have any information on this case, call the APD Homicide Tip Line at 512-974-8477.