AUSTIN -- A West Campus neighborhood is feeling a mix of shock and relief after police identified their prime suspect in a New Year's Day homicide and a string of attacks stretching back to July.
“We've been a little anxious. We brought a baseball bat home after the holidays,” said UT student Spencer Mainka.
APD detectives say DNA links James Loren Brown, 25, to several attacks that occurred in July and January. They also believe he killed beloved Austin educator, Esme Barrera, 29.
Officers found Brown on Jan. 12 at his West Campus apartment. His roommate called 911 after finding Brown dead. APD Commander Julie O’Brien says Brown committed suicide.
O’Brien says officers recognized a resemblance with Brown to a suspect sketch developed after the most recent attacks. The resemblance prompted detectives to run a DNA test.
It matched DNA collected in five separate attacks and assaults stretching from Central Austin to South Congress dating back to last July.
Although police haven't yet linked Brown's DNA to Barrera’s murder, they are calling him the prime suspect. Brown’s apartment was only 0.2 miles from Barrera’s home off 31 ½ Street and King Street.
“He lived right below us and we're a little shook up but happy to know it's no longer a threat to us,” said Jourdan Holder.
Brown's only prior offense is a speeding ticket, according to public records. Detectives say he moved to Austin about a year and a half ago after getting discharged from the military.
