Austin, Texas – The Austin Police Department is investigating a suspicious death following a fire at a transient camp. According to APD, officers responded to a report of a transient camp in the greenbelt area near 1704 Nelms Drive around 3:50 a.m. on January 4, 2025.

Authorities found that a tent had been consumed by the fire. APD says officers found the body of a deceased male who was pronounced deceased at 5:03 a.m.

The victim has not been identified at this time. APD says the victim is a white or Hispanic man who was homeless and may have had the nickname “JT”.

An autopsy reportedly revealed that the victim had trauma to his body. APD says the cause of death has been ruled a homicide and the manner of death was ruled sharp force injuries.

Police believe the fire was an attempt to cover up the murder. Anyone with information is asked to contact APD at 512-974-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477.