3 dead in Austin active shooter case called ‘domestic situation’; ex-cop sought as gunman

AUSTIN, Texas — Three people were pronounced dead from gunshot wounds at the scene of an active shooter incident in Austin on Sunday, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.

The shooting appeared to be “a domestic situation that is isolated,” Austin police said. The gunman was still at large, and residents should still shelter in place and report any suspicious activity as the search for the shooter continued, according to police.

While the shooter was not in custody, ABC affiliate KVUE reported that the suspected gunman was identified as 41-year-old Stephen Nicholas Broderick, a former detective with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. He is 5 feet, 7 inches tall and was last seen wearing a gray hoodie, sunglasses and a baseball cap.

It is unknown if Broderick fled on foot or in a vehicle, and authorities were concerned that he could be hiding or take a hostage, according to Austin Police Interim Chief Joseph Chacon.

“Obviously this is tragedy. We have people who have lost their lives out here,” Chacon said. “The danger still remains high at this point.”

The shooting was targeted and the three victims — two women and one man — knew Broderick, according to Chacon. A child was involved but has been located and is safe, he added.  The suspect’s motive is currently unknown.

Court records show that Broderick has a pending felony charge for sexual assault of a child, according to KVUE. He was booked in jail last June and was released 16 days later after posting bail, according to the Austin American-Statesman newspaper.

Police said the shootings happened shortly before noon at an apartment complex at Great Hills Trail and Rain Creek Parkway. The shooting scene remained active and people were asked by police to avoid the area, which is near the city’s Arboretum.