News Summary
A man has been charged with murder after confessing to fatally stabbing Akshay Gupta on a CapMetro bus in South Austin. The incident escalated quickly as the suspect, Deepak Kandel, attacked Gupta without provocation. Kandel was apprehended shortly after fleeing the scene. This tragic event marks the 25th homicide investigated in Austin this year, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety. CapMetro expressed deep sorrow over the violence and remains committed to ensuring passenger safety amidst rising crime rates in the city.
Austin – A 31-year-old man has been charged with murder after he confessed to stabbing another man on a CapMetro bus in South Austin on the evening of May 14, 2025. The incident took place around 6:45 p.m. in the 500 block of South Lamar Blvd., close to Barton Springs Road.
The victim, identified as 30-year-old Akshay Gupta, sustained fatal injuries, specifically trauma to his neck. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but Gupta was pronounced dead by 7:30 p.m. after being transported to the hospital.
The suspect, Deepak Kandel, reportedly stabbed Gupta without any provocation while sitting next to him on the bus. After the attack, Kandel exited the bus along with other passengers and fled the scene on foot. Police were able to locate and detain Kandel shortly after the incident, where he admitted that he stabbed Gupta because he bore a resemblance to his uncle.
Kandel has been booked into the Travis County Jail and charged with first-degree murder. This stabbing represents the 25th homicide investigated in Austin so far this year.
Eyewitness Account
Anthony Vazquez, co-owner of a nearby smoke shop, witnessed a man covered in blood rush into his shop asking for help shortly after the stabbing occurred. Vazquez stated that the violent incident was an unprecedented experience in his over ten years working at the location.
CapMetro Response
CapMetro, the transportation system involved, released a statement expressing both outrage and sorrow over the violent occurrence. The organization emphasized that the safety of its passengers remains their utmost priority. Dottie Watkins, President and CEO of CapMetro, offered her condolences to the victim’s family and highlighted the essential need for a sense of safety while using the transit system.
According to CapMetro’s Senior Director of Public Safety, ensuring passenger safety presents significant challenges, particularly because bus transportation does not include security screening. The organization encourages community members to report concerns through their customer service channels and to dial 911 in case any emergency arises.
Context of Violence in Austin
The incident is part of a troubling trend of violence in Austin, with the city grappling with a rising number of homicides in 2025. As authorities work to address safety concerns in public spaces, community members are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting any suspicious activity.
As investigations continue, the local community reflects on the impact of such violence, and discussions around transit safety intensify. The tragic incident involving Gupta serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety measures in public transportation and the collective responsibility to address and prevent violence in the community.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 7 Austin: Murder on CapMetro Bus
- Wikipedia: Austin
- KVUE: Stabbing on CapMetro Bus
- Google Search: CapMetro Bus Safety
- CBS Austin: Downtown Austin Homicide
- Google Scholar: Public Transportation Safety
- KVUE: South Lamar Boulevard Homicide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Safety
- CBS Austin: Arrest in CapMetro Bus Murder
- Google News: Austin Homicides 2025
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.
