The first of three explosions involving explosive packages happened 10 days ago, March 2. A 39-year-old man, Anthony Stephan House, died when he moved a packaged left on his front porch.
During these 10 days, Austin investigators said there was no apparent threat to the public.
Starting on March 2, Austin police warned: things might change. They used words like, “we believe,” “at this time,” and “can’t rule out.” Their message remained constant: the public did not appear to be at risk.
If you look at this investigation prior to today, you see three shifts in the investigation:
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March 2
Chief Brian Manley said they’re investigating a homicide. He had no information to believe it was beyond an isolated incident. He said he didn’t see anything to be part of a larger operation.
“We’re not making assumptions,” he warned.
March 5
More relief came for the public.
The investigation was downgraded from homicide to “suspicious death.”
Assistant Chief Joe Chacon said it appeared isolated at that point.
He added that the victim, Mr. House, could have constructed the device and accidently detonated it.
“…in which case it would be an accidental death so that’s why we’re not calling it a homicide yet,” said Chacon.
March 12
Then, one week later, a hard turn back to homicide.
After more explosions, more injuries and another death.
Police connected two new cases back to March 2.
This time, APD acknowledged the public is at risk saying “be aware and be cautious.”
Now, they found “similarities that they cannot rule out … these incidents are in face related.”
“We want the community to be aware,” said Chief Manley.
Police urge anyone to call them if an unexpected or suspicious package was left at their door.
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