The Austin Police Department has charged two individuals with murder following a shooting incident that occurred on December 13, 2024, in the 500 block of Thrasher Lane. The suspects, Johnny Ybarra and Manuel Medina, were involved in an exchange of gunfire during which Erik Tijerina sustained fatal injuries.
Initially, Ybarra was arrested on the day of the incident and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. An arrest warrant for murder was later issued for both Ybarra and Medina on June 19, 2025. At that time, Ybarra was already in custody at Travis County Jail due to the previous charge. Subsequently, a murder charge was added to his record.
Medina was apprehended on June 25, 2025, and also charged with murder. The police do not currently believe there are additional suspects involved in this case.
The investigation remains active. Authorities urge anyone with further information to contact the Austin Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS.
The original incident report states that officers responded to reports of a shooting early in the morning on December 13. Upon arrival, they found Erik Tijerina unresponsive with gunshot wounds in a front yard. He was taken to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries two days later.
Homicide detectives and crime scene specialists have been working on the case since then. It is being investigated as Austin’s 69th homicide of 2024.
Anyone wishing to provide information can reach out anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting their website or calling their hotline. A reward up to $1,000 may be available for tips leading to an arrest.
