Man killed in northeast Austin homicide identified; suspect still at-large

Police continue to search for the unknown shooter who fled the scene.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 4:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 44-year-old man named Joshua Baker was shot and killed in northeast Austin early Saturday morning. Police responded to the scene and found Baker near a dumpster with multiple gunshot wounds, but he was pronounced dead despite their life-saving efforts. The investigation indicates an unknown suspect shot and killed Baker before fleeing the area.

Why it matters

This homicide is part of a concerning trend of violent crime in northeast Austin, an area that has seen an uptick in shootings and other incidents in recent years. The lack of an identified suspect also raises public safety concerns, as the perpetrator remains at large.

The details

According to the Austin Police Department, officers responded to a shooting call around 3:05 a.m. on Saturday at 1400 E. Rundberg Ln. and found Joshua Baker suffering from multiple gunshot wounds near a dumpster. Despite the officers' life-saving efforts, Baker was pronounced dead at the scene around 3:16 a.m. The preliminary investigation indicates an unknown suspect shot and killed Baker before fleeing the area.

  • The shooting occurred around 3:05 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • Baker was pronounced dead at the scene around 3:16 a.m. on February 22, 2026.

The players

Joshua Baker

A 44-year-old man who was shot and killed in the northeast Austin homicide.

Austin Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the homicide and searching for the unknown suspect.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Those who may have information on this incident are asked to call the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers online or at 512-472-8477.”

— Austin Police Department (cbsaustin.com)

What’s next

The Austin Police Department continues to investigate the homicide and search for the unknown suspect. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to an arrest.

The takeaway

This tragic homicide highlights the ongoing public safety challenges in northeast Austin, where violent crime has been a persistent issue. The lack of an identified suspect is concerning, underscoring the need for the community to come forward with any information that could help solve the case and bring the perpetrator to justice.