Austin, September 16, 2025
News Summary
A tragic shooting near Zilker Park has resulted in the brain death of Kay Smith, known as ‘KC,’ following an altercation with her boyfriend Brandon Thompson. Thompson allegedly shot Smith and also wounded a police officer on the scene. As investigations continue, the community seeks justice and clarity amidst this heartbreaking incident.
Austin: Woman Shot Near Zilker Park Declared Brain Dead After Incident Involving Boyfriend, Suspect Charged with Multiple Felonies
Kay Smith, known as “KC,” was shot near Zilker Park on September 10, 2025, in a tragic incident that has left her family devastated and the Austin community shaken. The shooting occurred on Azie Morton Road, allegedly at the hands of Smith’s boyfriend, 30-year-old Brandon Thompson, who reportedly shot Smith in the head during the altercation.
The violence did not stop there, as Thompson also shot an Austin police officer, striking him in the abdomen. The injured officer received medical treatment at a local hospital and was later released. Tragically, Smith was declared brain dead on the same day of the shooting. She was taken off life support on September 15, 2025, following organ donation procedures, as she was a registered organ donor.
At the time of her tragic death, Smith was experiencing homelessness and is survived by her three children. Her sister, Brianna Brown, has expressed a deep desire for Smith to reunite with her family and her children, highlighting Smith’s caring and nurturing nature. Brown has condemned Thompson’s actions, labeling them as murder, whilst also suggesting regret for not knowing more about him prior to the incident.
Charges Filed Against Thompson
Following the shooting, Thompson has been charged with Attempted Capital Murder of a Peace Officer and Burglary of a Residence, both classified as first-degree felonies. As of September 15, additional charges related to the shooting of Smith may still be forthcoming; however, no further charges have been filed at this time.
In a distressing turn, body camera footage from the police revealed that Smith had a dog with her during the incident, and the pet remains missing. Brown expressed a hope to reunite Smith’s dog with her children as a tangible connection to their late mother.
Ongoing Investigations
Austin police are actively conducting searches for the missing dog and are soliciting information from the community regarding both the incident and the whereabouts of the pet. This incident marks the fifth shooting involving an Austin Police Department officer this year, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by law enforcement personnel as they respond to violent situations.
The police chief has underscored the increased risks associated with police work, as incidents such as this can put officers’ lives in danger while they attempt to protect the community. Family members and community members alike continue to call for justice for Smith and seek answers regarding the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Conclusion
The impact of this shooting resonates deeply within the Austin community and serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in their line of duty. As investigations continue, many are hoping for a sense of closure and resolution for the victims’ families.
FAQ
What happened to Kay Smith near Zilker Park?
Kay Smith, also known as “KC,” was shot on September 10, 2025, by her boyfriend, Brandon Thompson. Smith was declared brain dead shortly after the incident and later taken off life support.
What charges has Brandon Thompson faced?
Brandon Thompson has been charged with Attempted Capital Murder of a Peace Officer and Burglary of a Residence, both of which are first-degree felonies. Additional charges related to the shooting of Kay Smith may also be forthcoming.
What is known about Kay Smith’s family?
Katie Smith is survived by her three children. At the time of her death, she was experiencing homelessness, and her sister has expressed a desire for the dog that was with Smith during the incident to be returned to the family.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | September 10, 2025 |
| Location | Zilker Park, Azie Morton Road, Austin |
| Victim | Kay Smith (KC) |
| Suspect | Brandon Thompson |
| Charges Against Suspect | Attempted Capital Murder of a Peace Officer, Burglary of a Residence |
| Status of Victim | Declared brain dead; taken off life support on September 15, 2025 |
| Surviving Family | Three children, sister Brianna Brown |
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: Kay C Smith Shooting
- Wikipedia: Shooting of Kay Smith
- CBS Austin: APD Releases Bodycam Footage
- Google Search: Kay Smith Zilker Park Shooting
- Statesman: Zilker Park Shooting
- Google Scholar: Police Shooting Zilker Park
- KVUE: Austin Police Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Police Shooting
- CBS Austin: Police Chief Calls Shooting a Nightmare
- Google News: Zilker Park Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
