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6d ago

Austin Police Seek Public Help After Autopsy Finds Blunt Force Trauma

Investigators released doorbell footage, deployed extra resources, asked residents to turn over camera footage and tips.

Investigators said surveillance footage from doorbell cameras inside the complex captured Ortiz walking around Building 2 at approximately 11:45 p.m. the night before her body was discovered, on June 16. (Photo: APD)
Homicide Detective Israel Pina outlined details of the case Wednesday at a news conference at Austin Public Safety Headquarters, one week after the body of Francesca Ortiz was discovered naked June 17 at the Waters at Bluff Springs apartment complex at 7707 South I-35. (Photo: APD)
Austin police are investigating the city's 29th homicide of the year after a woman died at a southeast Austin apartment complex Wednesday afternoon, according to the department. (Photo: CBS Austin)
Homicide Detective Israel Pina outlined details of the case Wednesday at a news conference at Austin Public Safety Headquarters, one week after the body of Francesca Ortiz was discovered naked June 17 at the Waters at Bluff Springs apartment complex at 7707 South I-35. (Photo: APD)

Overview

  • Police found 40-year-old Francesca Ortiz dead in a grassy area behind the Waters at Bluff Springs apartment complex on Wednesday, June 17, and she was pronounced dead at 1:50 p.m.
  • An autopsy determined Ortiz’s cause of death was blunt force trauma and investigators say she was found nude with devastating injuries.
  • Doorbell camera footage shows Ortiz walking around the complex at about 11:45 p.m. on June 16 and appearing to knock on multiple doors as if looking for someone.
  • Austin police have not identified a suspect and are asking the public to submit doorbell, security, dashcam or other recordings along with eyewitness tips; tips can go to APD or Capital Area Crime Stoppers and a reward of up to $1,000 may be available.
  • The case is being counted as Austin’s 29th homicide of 2026, police have deployed extra resources in South Austin, and investigators say they do not currently believe this killing is linked to other recent nearby homicides.