Suspect Charged with Murder After Man Dies from Apartment Attack

Raymond Ware, 38, faces murder charge after victim succumbs to injuries from January incident

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Austin police have arrested a 38-year-old man named Raymond Ware and charged him with murder after a 66-year-old victim, Robert Garcia, died in the hospital from injuries sustained during an attack at an east Austin apartment complex in late January. The incident began with a 911 call reporting an injured man, leading to a SWAT standoff before Ware was taken into custody.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges Austin faces with violent crime, as the city has already recorded 7 homicides so far in 2026. The incident also raises questions about mental health resources and de-escalation tactics used by law enforcement during confrontations with suspects.

The details

On January 31, police responded to a 911 call about an injured man at an apartment complex on Springdale Road. They found 66-year-old Robert Garcia unconscious and bleeding, having sustained significant head trauma. Police located 38-year-old Raymond Ware inside a nearby apartment and attempted to get him to surrender, but he refused. The SWAT team was called in and eventually arrested Ware, who then tried to escape while in custody. Ware was initially charged with aggravated assault, but that was upgraded to murder after Garcia died from his injuries on February 4.

  • On January 31, 2026, police responded to a 911 call about an injured man at an apartment complex.
  • On February 4, 2026, the 66-year-old victim, Robert Garcia, died from his injuries in the hospital.
  • On February 10, 2026, a murder charge was added against suspect Raymond Ware.

The players

Raymond Ware

A 38-year-old man who was arrested and charged with murder after the victim, Robert Garcia, died from injuries sustained during an attack at an east Austin apartment complex.

Robert Garcia

A 66-year-old man who died in the hospital on February 4, 2026 from injuries sustained during an attack at an east Austin apartment complex.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Raymond Ware out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for improved mental health resources and de-escalation training for law enforcement to help prevent such violent confrontations in the future.