An 18-year-old is arrested, suspected for a Southeast Austin murder. APD reports Jeremiah Crayton was arrested without incident, bond was set at $250,000.
Investigators say the victim, Eshmell Mendez was visiting friends at the Goodnight Commons Apartments when Crayton knocked on the door. Mendez answered and then they say Crayton pulled a gun and shot him before fleeing the scene.
Official statement:
APD has arrested 18-year-old Jeremiah Crayton in the murder of Eshmell Arath Mendez.
On April 29, 2021, 911 received a call reporting that someone had been shot at the Goodnight Commons Apartments. Upon arrival, officer discovered the victim, later identified as Eshmell Mendez, lying on the floor of an apartment. Austin-Travis County EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Mr. Mendez was pronounced deceased on scene.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Mendez was inside the apartment visiting friends when the suspect, Jeremiah Crayton, knocked at the door. One of the residents opened the door at which time Crayton pulled a pistol from his jacket pocket and shot Eshmell Mendez. Jeremiah Crayton fled the scene in a silver, four-door sedan.
Following an autopsy by the Travis County Medical Examiner that confirmed the death to be homicide by gunshot, an arrest warrant was issued on April 30, 2021. Jeremiah Crayton was taken into custody by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force without incident. His bond has been set at $250,000.
Detectives are asking anyone with information or video of the incident to call APD Homicide at 512-974-TIPS, email homicide.apd@austintexas.gov, utilize the Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), or the Crime Stoppers app. You may remain anonymous.
You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android.
This is Austin’s 28th homicide of 2021.
