Austin, Texas, December 5, 2025
In a tragic incident, 34-year-old Kimberly Sotelo has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with a deadly shooting in downtown Austin. The victim, 50-year-old Gared Goff, was fatally shot during a violent confrontation amidst a strained relationship dispute. Authorities urge anyone with information to assist with the ongoing investigation as Sotelo awaits legal proceedings, facing potential life imprisonment if convicted.
Austin Woman Arrested and Charged with Murder in Downtown Shooting
Austin, Texas – A 34-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in downtown Austin on November 12, 2025. Kimberly Sotelo was apprehended on December 1, 2025, in Spring, Texas, following a collaborative effort by U.S. Marshals and Montgomery County deputies. She is currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail pending transfer to Austin County for arraignment and further proceedings.
Details of the Shooting Incident
On the morning of November 12, 2025, Austin police responded to reports of a shooting near the intersection of East Fifth and Trinity Street. Upon arrival, officers found 50-year-old Gared Goff with a gunshot wound to the head; he was pronounced dead at the scene approximately 20 minutes later. Investigations revealed that Sotelo was involved in a heated relationship dispute earlier that morning. A woman, who knew Sotelo as “Kimmie,” reported that during the confrontation, Sotelo attempted to hit her with a vehicle. Later, the same woman observed Sotelo exiting a gray SUV near a fire station, holding a gun. Sotelo approached the woman, raised the weapon, and fired, resulting in Goff’s death. The woman believed she was the intended target, not Goff. Another witness corroborated this account, and an Austin firefighter reported seeing a woman exit a gray SUV with a gun, fire once, and flee the scene. The fleeing vehicle was traced to Sotelo through temporary license plate records and dealership documentation. A silver 2026 Buick Envista, matching the description, was found abandoned in north Austin and impounded for forensic testing. DNA samples were collected from the vehicle as part of the investigation. Sotelo was formally charged with murder on the day of the shooting. Court records indicate that she has a prior conviction from 2010 for aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, for which she received a six-year prison sentence. Additionally, two felony charges of deadly conduct discharging a firearm and criminal mischief were dismissed earlier this year in the “Interest of Justice.”
Background on the Victim
Gared Goff, the victim, was a 50-year-old man who was fatally shot near the intersection of East Fifth and Trinity Street in downtown Austin on November 12, 2025. He was pronounced dead at the scene approximately 20 minutes after the shooting.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Sotelo faces a first-degree murder charge, which under Texas law is punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison. The case is currently under investigation, and further details will be provided as they become available.
Public Assistance and Contact Information
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Austin Police Department tip line at 512-974-TIPS. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling (512) 472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.
Recent Related Incidents in Austin
- August 11, 2025: A triple homicide occurred in north Austin, resulting in the deaths of two adults and a child. A suspect was arrested in connection with the incident.
- September 17, 2025: A 30-year-old woman was fatally shot during an altercation near Zilker Park. The suspect, her boyfriend, was charged with first-degree murder.
- October 1, 2025: A murder suspect from Karnes County was located and arrested in downtown Austin.
Conclusion
This tragic incident underscores the ongoing need for community vigilance and timely reporting of violent activities. As Austin works through these serious matters, local residents are encouraged to support law enforcement through tips and information sharing, helping to maintain the safety of our neighborhoods. With every piece of information, the community can play an essential role in upholding justice and fostering a secure environment for all.
FAQ
Who was arrested in connection with the downtown shooting?
Austin police arrested 34-year-old Kimberly Sotelo and charged her with first-degree murder.
When did the shooting incident occur?
The shooting occurred on November 12, 2025.
What was the nature of the relationship between Sotelo and the victim?
Investigations revealed that Sotelo was involved in a heated relationship dispute prior to the shooting.
What penalties does Sotelo face if convicted?
Sotelo faces a first-degree murder charge, which under Texas law is punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison.
How can the public assist in the ongoing investigation?
Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the Austin Police Department tip line at 512-974-TIPS or submit anonymous tips through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest | Kimberly Sotelo, age 34 |
| Charge | First-degree murder |
| Shooting Date | November 12, 2025 |
| Victim | Gared Goff, age 50 |
| Punishment Range | 5 to 99 years or life |
Now Happening on X
- @NewsRadioKLBJ (December 2, 2025, 10:06 AM) – Austin Police are investigating the death of a 19-year-old Texas A&M student; the City of Austin prepares for a new light rail line, and a mandatory emergency boil water notice remains in effect for Lago Vista residents. View on X
- @Grampy_Calls_BS (December 3, 2025, 11:21 PM) – Criticism of Austin Police Department’s handling of a case, where they allegedly delayed response and later informed a mother her daughter was in the morgue, highlighting issues from defunding and understaffing. View on X
- @WKBN (December 1, 2025, 8:29 AM) – The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is looking into an officer-involved shooting in Austintown, with the suspect in stable condition. View on X
- @MahoningMatters (December 5, 2025, 4:00 AM) – A man remains in stable condition following an officer-involved shooting in Austintown, as investigations continue. View on X
- @CBSaustin (November 29, 2025, 3:30 PM) – Austin police are investigating a shooting early Friday morning after an altercation outside a north Austin nightclub. View on X
- @citystuff_chi (December 2, 2025, 5:06 PM) – In Austin neighborhood, a suspect is dead and a food vendor injured following a shooting incident. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Financial Turns in Commercial Real Estate: A Nationwide Overview
Happy Hour at The Dizzy Rooster Featuring Angelyn
Longhorns Defeat Tar Heels 79-64 in ACC/SEC Challenge
Hays County Authorities Seek Help in Finding Missing Teen
San Antonio Teacher Arrested for Sexual Assault of Student
Georgetown Man Arrested for Child Sexual Assault in Texas
Austin Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Burglary and Assault
Texas Longhorns Secure Top Talent on Early Signing Day
Investigation Underway in the Death of A&M Student
Austin Police Rescue Woman in Disturbing Kidnapping Case
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.
