Police are investigating the first murder of 2012, and it's a particularly terrifying case as everyone seems to agree that it was a completely random attack. The victim, an as-yet unidentified 29 year old female, was attacked and killed in her home on King's Street, west campus. KXAN is reporting that police went to her home around 3 a.m. on New Year's Day for a welfare check, and found her deceased inside. Friends of the victim reported that she was spending New Year's Eve at the 29th St. Ballroom, and walking home with a friend afterwards. It's unclear if she walked home alone or not. Shortly after the discovery, a 21 one year old woman came forward to tell police she was assaulted just a couple hours earlier in front of the house where the body was found. She was able to escape, and described her attacker as being a black male between 5'9" and 6' tall, with a round face and shaved head. On the evening of the attack, the man was wearing a gray hoodie sweatshirt. No word on if police are officially considering both attacks as related crimes. We'll be following developments around this story and provide updates on tip lines as well as ways to assist the victim's family once her name has been officially released and all family members are notified.
First Homicide of 2012 Indicates Violent Predator Might Strike Again
![BP, Argentina and Mel Gibson [News Bits]](http://austinist.com/assets_c/2009/01/nb-thumb-105x105-58941.jpg)
Fire Destroys West Campus Home
A massive two-alarm fire broke out in the West Campus area this morning, causing an estimated $750,000 in damages and leaving only ruins in the spot where a two-story house once stood.
Morning Bomb Scare at West Campus
We were strolling through West Campus this morning when we came across a gaggle of cops, endless yellow Police Line tape and, of all things, the bomb squad. Rio Grande between 22nd and 24th streets had been sealed off. Word was that some residences had been evacuated as well. Minutes earlier, the ubiquitous post-9/11 "suspicious package" reared its ugly head and was reported to the police. We stuck around, alongside the small crowd of bleary-eyed...
Austin Apartments, Just Some Numbers
Looking for a place for the summer? How about a pre-lease for the fall? If you thought the housing market has been bad lately, you may want to start considering that move to Round Rock right about now. The Daily Texan reported yesterday on a few numbers that seem to keep getting bigger, the prices of your average apartment in Austin. 94% - The occupancy rate in Austin by the end of 2006. 88%...
Unsubstantiated Rumor Patrol
We've been keeping our ear to the street to bring you the following unsubstantiated restaurant closing rumors. Nau's West Campus: Their burgers and chocolate shakes kept us fed in school. Not the best burgers in town, but they'll always have a place on our heart. Rumored Reason for Demise: Condos. Night Hawk Frisco Shop: Another burger that invokes fond memories. Their chili is great added to almost anything on the menu. The last of...
Stupid Student Tricks, Final Exam Edition
Classes have ended at The University of Texas and winter is finally here, the time when girls trade short skirts for sweatpants and guys replace short-sleeve UT shirts with long-sleeve UT shirts. For the students at UT Austin, it's been a pretty tough year. West Campus construction has kept them up all night, their football team choked, APD won't let them party as hard, and now, starting tomorrow, it's final exam time. Where do...
University Student Found Dead In Apartment Near UT Campus
Note: this post has been revised after receiving additional information from the Austin Police Department. According to the Daily Texan, the body of a student from St. Edward's University -- identified by the Austin Police Department as 19-year old James Henry Leonard -- was discovered by officers at a small apartment complex at 22nd and Rio Grande, mere blocks from UT Austin, earlier this morning. Meanwhile, News 8 Austin's article claims that "party noises"...
Craiglist: Honesty Is Not Always The Best Policy
It was a great week in the world of Missed Connections, most of them being short but sweet. That way the funny hits before you're even done reading. If you didn't get to check them out firsthand, no problem, we'll shed some light on the highlights. We've got honesty, mullets, size-typing, dump truck shout-outs, and an MC with an MC.
News Bits
The man suspected of outrunning police and firing shots at them after being pulled over for a defective tail light on Friday was arrested Sunday. He is charged with attempted capital murder and could spend up to 99 years or life in prison.
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