APD still searching for SE Austin murder suspect; victim's friend wants justice

AUSTIN, Texas - The longtime friend of a man murdered days before Christmas is honoring him as police continue to search for a suspect.

Mario Damian-Rayas, 34, was well-known in the cycling community. He worked as a subcontractor. He always went on Thursday group rides. That's where he met his friend of 12 years, Ulises Castro. The two often biked and fished together. 

"He was always friendly, caring," Castro said. "He will be remembered as a good person, always smiling and on his bike because he loved his bike."

Mario Damian-Rayas, 34

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On Dec. 21, around 9:25 p.m., police say Mario was found shot to death in his car at the Chevy Chase Downs apartments on Huntwick Drive. The suspect fled the scene.

Austin police previously released a photo of a person of interest. They have not released a motive.

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"He had no problems with anybody," Castro said.

Castro says his death was a shock to the cycling community. 

"A lot of people are really hurt by what happened," he said. "He was well-known and respected. I don't understand why anybody would just come and try to hurt him."

Castro says just an hour before the shooting, Damian-Rayas was commenting on his post online about a fishing spot Castro was at. Later that night, Castro stopped hearing from him. 

"I was just like, 'man, what's going on?'" he said.

RELATED: Man dead after shooting in Southeast Austin: APD

The next morning, Castro recognized the apartments in the shooting scene on the news, and there was still no answer from Damian-Rayas. 

"Something had told me in my heart, like, man, something's not right," he said.

Castro eventually learned what happened. 

"I personally took it super hard, because I had just talked to him that night, like an hour before all this happened," he said.

Now he's helping to get his body back to Mexico, where his mother is. 

"His mom is super devastated," he said.

Castro is also planning a memorial ride and service for Damian-Rayas to honor him as he hopes the person responsible will be caught. 

"I just want them to come forward and to man up for what you did," Castro said. "Just man up, face your crimes and let justice be served."

Anyone with information should contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. 

A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.