El Paso Native Is Austin’s First Homicide Victim Of 2012

Austin’s first homicide of the year is 29-year-old Esme Barrera, according to our ABC news affiliate in Austin, KVUE.

Barrera, who grew up in El Paso, was a special education teacher at Casis Elementary School in Austin for the past five years.

According to Austin police, Barrera was found inside a central Austin home just before 3 a.m. on Sunday. Police were called to the home after they received an urgent welfare call.

Details are still limited about the incident, including any information about a possible suspect or motive.

ABC-7 spoke with some of Barrera’s friends in the borderland. Christopher Bailey said Barrera volunteered as a counselor in a rock camp for girls. He said she was a selfless person who will be known for her giving spirit.

“She was devoted to her community, she was devoted to people and she didn’t ever expect anything back for it. She just wanted to give and I think that’s really the legacy that Esme leaves behind is the spirit of giving. I’m sorry that that legacy has to come in the tails of something just so ugly and violent,” said Bailey.

Friends described Barrera as a funny girl with a big heart. “She was just a really easy person to love,” said longtime friend Sandra Iturbe. “Wherever she went she carried a lot of life.”

KVUE reported that teachers at Casis Elementary School held a vigil at Barrera’s home at noon on Monday.

Friends and family gathered at West El Paso bar Hope and Anchor Monday night in her honor.

If you would like to visit the website created to remember Barrera or donate to help cover her passing, click here.

Click here to read the original story from our ABC affiliate in Austin, KVUE.