The Austin Police Department (APD) has released video footage related to the homicide investigation of Cristian Rangel. Detectives are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed or heard anything relevant in the Walmart parking lot.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for tips leading to an arrest.
Previously, APD requested public assistance in uncovering details surrounding the death of Cristian Rangel, aged 24. On April 8, 2024, Rangel left his Southwest Austin apartment on foot and headed for Walmart at 5017 W. US 290 but never returned home. He was reported missing that night.
Walmart surveillance footage showed Rangel entering the front passenger seat of a white GMC Terrain around 1:30 p.m., which then exited the parking lot at high speed with Rangel attempting to exit the car. Investigators identified Kamery Wooldridge as both the person meeting Rangel and driving the vehicle.
On April 19, APD received a call about a deceased person found in a field on Spring Meadow Drive, later identified as Cristian Rangel. Detectives determined that Wooldridge disposed of his body there, leading to an arrest warrant issued on May 14 charging her with tampering with a human corpse.
The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested Wooldridge on June 4; she is currently out on bond for this offense. Despite her arrest, the investigation remains active as detectives seek further details about what transpired between when Rangel entered Wooldridge's vehicle and when his body was discarded.
Cristian's mother, Misty Moon, released a statement expressing grief over her son's loss: "It is with devastation that we are speaking about the tragic loss of Cristian Rangel... We will never stop seeking justice for him."
In addition to Crime Stoppers' $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, Cristian's family is offering an additional $9,000 reward.
This case marks Austin’s 39th homicide investigation of 2024.
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