Austin, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Brandon Thompson, 30, has been charged with murder and other felonies following a shooting incident near Zilker Park, where he allegedly shot his girlfriend and an Austin police officer. The tragic event has sparked a manhunt and raised concerns about public safety. Thompson is now in custody with a bond set at $600,000. The community is reacting strongly to the event, and further investigations are ongoing as family members mourn the loss of the victim, Kay ‘KC’ Smith.
Austin
Brandon Thompson, a 30-year-old man, has been charged with three first-degree felonies: murder, attempted capital murder of a peace officer, and burglary of a residence. The charges stem from a tragic incident that took place on September 10, 2023, near Zilker Park at around 4 a.m.
Thompson is alleged to have shot his girlfriend, Kay “KC” Smith, 30, in the head, in addition to wounding an Austin police officer during a confrontation. Officer Adam Reinhart was conducting a curfew check and discovered Thompson and Smith near a stolen vehicle when the situation escalated.
Following the shooting, Smith was pronounced brain dead on the day of the incident and was taken off life support a few days later, as she was a registered organ donor. Officer Reinhart was treated for injuries sustained in the shooting; he has since been released from the hospital and placed on administrative leave.
The troubling sequence of events led to a manhunt for Thompson, during which he allegedly broke into a residence in the Barton Hills neighborhood. A homeowner shot Thompson in the arm and leg as he attempted to enter their home. Thompson was later apprehended and is currently being held in the Travis County Jail on a total bond of $600,000.
Initial confusion arose when the Austin Police Department prematurely canceled a shelter-in-place alert during the manhunt, causing concern among local schools. The APD’s Emergency Communications Division is investigating this mishap involving the alert cancellation.
At the time of her death, Smith was experiencing homelessness and is survived by three children. Family members expressed heartbreak and regret regarding her involvement with Thompson, describing his actions as murder. The search for Smith’s dog, present during the shooting, continues, as family members hope to reunite the pet with Smith’s children.
Austin police confirmed that additional charges against Thompson may be forthcoming concerning the shooting of Smith, depending on developments in the ongoing investigation.
Incident Timeline
- September 10, 2023: Shooting incident near Zilker Park.
- Thompson allegedly shoots Smith and Officer Reinhart.
- Smith pronounced brain dead; later removed from life support.
- Thompson breaks into residence; shot by homeowner.
- Thompson taken into custody.
Implications and Community Response
The incident has raised significant concerns regarding public safety, especially in light of the premature cancellation of alerts during a critical moment. Local schools and community members have voiced worry over the handling of the situation.
Legal Proceedings
Thompson faces serious charges that could change depending on further investigation. His current bond amount reflects the severity of the situation, and the legal process is set to unfold as the police gather more evidence.
Background on Victim
Smith had been facing challenges related to homelessness at the time of her tragic death. Her death not only impacts her immediate family but also brings attention to broader social issues and the need for support systems for vulnerable populations.
FAQ Section
Who has been charged in this incident?
Brandon Thompson, a 30-year-old man, has been charged with three first-degree felonies: murder, attempted capital murder of a peace officer, and burglary of a residence.
What happened on September 10, 2023?
The incident occurred near Zilker Park at around 4 a.m., where Thompson allegedly shot his girlfriend, Kay “KC” Smith, in the head, and also shot an Austin police officer during a confrontation.
What charges does Thompson face?
Thompson faces three first-degree felonies, including murder, attempted capital murder of a peace officer, and burglary of a residence.
What happened to Officer Adam Reinhart?
Officer Reinhart was treated for injuries sustained in the shooting and has since been released from the hospital and placed on administrative leave.
What is the current status of Brandon Thompson?
Thompson is currently held at the Travis County Jail on a total bond of $600,000, and additional charges may be filed regarding the shooting of Smith depending on the investigation.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Brandon Thompson, 30 |
| Charges | Murder, attempted capital murder of a peace officer, burglary of a residence |
| Date of Incident | September 10, 2023 |
| Location | Zilker Park |
| Victim | Kay “KC” Smith, 30 |
| Officer Involved | Adam Reinhart |
| Bond Amount | $600,000 |
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Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Wikipedia: Zilker Park
- CBS Austin
- Google Search: Brandon Thompson Zilker Park Shooting
- KVUE News Video
- Google Scholar: Homelessness impact crime Austin
- FOX 7 Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police shooting protocols
- KVUE News
- Google News: Austin Shooting Zilker Park
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.
