19-Year-Old Avery Bowman Jr. in Custody After Deadly Double Shooting Near Texas State University
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San Marcos, TX — A community is reeling and a university town is shaken after a deadly shooting near Texas State University claimed the lives of two individuals early Saturday morning. Authorities have confirmed that 19-year-old Avery Bowman Jr. has been taken into custody in connection with the double homicide, marking a tragic turn in what began as a typical weekend night in the college town of San Marcos.
According to the San Marcos Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire just after 2:30 a.m. in a neighborhood near the Texas State University campus. Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of first responders and emergency medical personnel, both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims’ identities have not yet been publicly released pending notification of next of kin, but police confirmed they were young adults — one of whom may have had ties to the university community. Friends and witnesses at the scene described the chaos as people fled the area in fear and confusion, with some initially unsure whether the gunfire was real or mistaken for fireworks.
Detectives quickly began piecing together the events of the night and identified Avery Bowman Jr. as a suspect. He was apprehended without incident later that morning and is currently being held in custody on two counts of murder. Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive, but sources close to the investigation say the shooting may have stemmed from a confrontation or altercation earlier in the evening.
San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge issued a brief but firm statement to the press on Saturday afternoon:
“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence that has stolen two lives and deeply shaken our city. Our investigators are working tirelessly to uncover the facts and ensure that justice is served. We are urging anyone with information or video footage from the area to come forward and assist in this active investigation.”
The incident occurred in a densely populated neighborhood known for student housing, and it has reignited concerns about safety and violence near university campuses. Texas State University officials released a statement extending condolences to the families affected and confirming that campus police were coordinating with local law enforcement to support the investigation.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of life that occurred near our campus. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. While this incident occurred off-campus, we are committed to supporting our students and working closely with local authorities during this difficult time.”
Students and residents alike expressed shock and sadness over the incident. Many described the area where the shooting took place as typically peaceful, though some acknowledged an uptick in disturbances and rowdy behavior during late-night weekends.
“It’s terrifying,” said one Texas State student. “You come here expecting to feel safe — to learn, to grow. And then something like this happens right down the street. It just feels like a nightmare.”
Counseling services have been made available to students and community members affected by the tragedy, and a candlelight vigil is being planned to honor the lives lost.
Meanwhile, Avery Bowman Jr. remains in custody at the Hays County Jail as prosecutors prepare formal charges. Authorities are continuing to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses. While the investigation is still in its early stages, police have assured the public that they believe there is no ongoing threat to the community.
As the city of San Marcos comes to terms with this devastating loss, residents are left with questions, grief, and the hope that justice will bring some measure of closure to a tragedy that has shattered two families and cast a somber cloud over the university community.