x
Breaking News
More () »

A year later, Texas State student's death still unsolved

A year following the shooting death of  19-year-old Texas State student Justin Gage, San Marcos Police continue to ask for the public's help in catching those responsible 

A year following his death, San Marcos Police are continuing to ask for the public's health in the deadly shooting of 19-year-old Texas State student Justin Gage.

"I think that it's important to keep Justin's memory alive because he was someone's child, someone's son, someone's friend, someone's brother," explained San Marcos Police Commander Kelly Earnest.

In a 9-1-1 recording exclusively obtained by KVUE, a friend who was with Gage when he was shot frantically pleads for help.

"Please.... please... please. I can't breathe!" said the unidentified friend on the recording.

Gage and a friend went to The Retreat, an apartment complex near Texas State's campus in the early morning hours of December 6, 2015.

Three men followed them into the complex shortly after. Police said one of the men pulled a gun on Gage and his friend. A struggle broke out, and Gage was shot multiple times. The three men then fled, as Gage - wounded from the gunshots - and the friend gave a brief chase.

Then, the friend called 9-1-1.

"Please hurry! Please," said the friend.

The recording indicated police made it to the scene in under five minutes. Gage was transported to University Medical Center-Brackenridge before he succumbed from his injuries five days later.

In a one-on-one interview with KVUE earlier this year, Gage's brother Donovan described his late sibling.

"Justin was just loving. You know he cared for everybody. You could come to Justin about anything, and he would try to find a way to help you. He was very caring," said Gage.

Police have released the following descriptions of the suspects:

1) Black male 5'8"-5'10" with a dark complexion wearing a white mask and gray hoodie

2) Black male 5'8"-5'10" dark complexion wearing a black mask and red hoodie

3) Black male 5'8"-5'10" dark complexion wearing black mask

Commander Earnest said even the smallest of details could make a major difference.

"As time goes on, people's memory fades. They may think that they saw something, but it's unimportant at this point," said Commander Earnest.

For Gage's family, it will be another Christmas without their beloved Justin. For police, it serves as reinforcement to highlight the importance of finding those responsible.

"I think it's particularly tragic for the family to have to deal with this with the upcoming Christmas holidays," Commander Earnest said.

As the case has grown cold, Commander Earnest said San Marcos Police have called in the Texas Rangers to help track down leads.

If you have any information on this case, call the San Marcos Police Department or Crime Stoppers of Hays County.

Before You Leave, Check This Out