Austin, TX — The East Riverside community is reeling in the aftermath of a fatal shooting that claimed the life of 37-year-old Marcos Valerio-Rodríguez on the evening of May 1st, 2025. Authorities with the Austin Police Department (APD) confirmed his identity late Wednesday night, as the investigation into the tragic incident continues to unfold.

The violent altercation took place just before 7:00 p.m. in the 2001 block of East Riverside Drive, a usually bustling corridor lined with apartment complexes, restaurants, and small businesses. Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots followed by screams and chaos as residents scrambled for safety. First responders arrived swiftly at the scene, where they found Valerio-Rodríguez suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead on site.

Detectives are actively working to reconstruct the events that led to the shooting, though no arrests have been announced at this time. According to preliminary reports, the altercation involved at least two individuals and quickly escalated into violence. The motives behind the confrontation remain unclear, and authorities are urging anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward.

“We are diligently working to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic loss of life,” said APD Homicide Division spokesperson Sgt. Luis Mendoza during a press briefing Thursday morning. “Our priority is to uncover the truth and ensure that justice is served for Marcos and his loved ones.”

The East Riverside neighborhood, known for its cultural diversity and rapid development, has seen its share of safety concerns in recent years. Yet, the community remains tightly knit. News of the shooting has left many residents shocked and grieving.

“He was a familiar face,” said Carmen López, a local resident and neighbor of Valerio-Rodríguez. “Always polite, always saying hello. I can’t believe something like this could happen to someone like him.”

Valerio-Rodríguez was reportedly a hardworking man, described by friends and family as kind-hearted, humble, and devoted to those close to him. His sudden and violent death has not only robbed a family of their loved one but has also shaken a community already grappling with broader conversations around public safety, mental health, and access to firearms.

Community leaders have called for unity and collective healing in the wake of the tragedy. A candlelight vigil is being organized near the scene of the shooting, where friends, family, and community members will gather to honor Valerio-Rodríguez’s life and demand action to prevent further violence.

“This isn’t just about one person or one moment,” said community advocate Tyrone Washington. “It’s about the patterns of violence we continue to see. We need to come together as a community and ask how we can do better—how we can protect one another.”

As the investigation continues, the APD encourages anyone with tips to contact their homicide tip line at (512) 477-3588. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS.

For now, the community mourns the loss of Marcos Valerio-Rodríguez—a man whose life was tragically cut short in an act of violence that has left far more questions than answers. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and his name will not be forgotten as calls for justice and peace echo across East Riverside.

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