AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: The original version of this story stated Justin Sands name as "Justin Shands" and his age as 47, but it has been updated per a correction from police.
The Austin Police Department has provided more details after two people were found dead at the Crestview Commons apartments on Friday.
APD said officers responded to 801 Sugaree Ave. just after 9 a.m. on Friday. The deceased were identified as 26-year-old Ahlame Qourzal and 26-year-old Justin Sands.
Police responded after Austin 911 received a check welfare call from Qourzal's family. Upon arrival, police said her brother reiterated the family's concern. Both hers and Shands' vehicles were also found in the parking lot.
Police said officers learned that a check welfare call had also been conducted the previous day on behalf of Shands' family. At this time, officers knocked on their apartment door after confirming both of their vehicles were on site, but they did not receive an answer. Police said the Shands family did not express any safety concerns, so the officers left.
On Sunday, the officers knocked on the door but did not receive a response. They then received a key from apartment management. Inside, they found that an interior bedroom door was locked. After repeated announcements to open the door, officers forced entry and found their bodies inside.
Based on the initial investigation, police said the incident appears to be an act of domestic violence. The investigation is ongoing as detectives work to learn more about the couple's relationship.
Anyone with more information is asked to call the APD 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. Tips can remain anonymous.
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