The Travis County District Attorney’s office will continue to investigate a double homicide that happened this week in South Austin to determine whether it will pursue the case as a hate crime. A staffer with the DA’s office said attorneys would have to do more investigation before a decision could be made.
Jose Alfonso Aviles, 45, is accused of shooting a mother and her daughter to death Monday evening. Austin Police believe the daughter, Norma Hurtado, was in a relationship with Aviles’ daughter.
“This had been an ongoing dispute between these families and it turned tragic into a horrific act of violence with the death of two individuals,” said Lt. Gena Curtis with APD'S Victim Services Unit.
Aviles was arrested Tuesday in the San Antonio area by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. He is charged with Capital Murder which is punishable by life in prison or the death penalty.
Austin Police said they their investigation is still ongoing.
“We still have many questions that we need answers to,” said Lt. Curtis.
Today, Austin City Council Member Randi Shade released this statement concerning the murders.
"As a leader of our community's newly formed Hate Crimes Task Force, it is clear that we need to work harder than ever to come together as a community to condemn any and all incidents that are motivated by hate, discrimination and prejudice."