Runge, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Severiano Valdonado, a 38-year-old man, has been arrested after being suspected of murdering Michelle Jannsen in Runge, Texas. The incident occurred at a residence on Leckie Street, where Jannsen was fatally shot. Following a two-week manhunt, Valdonado was located at a homeless encampment in Austin and attempted to flee but was subdued by law enforcement officers. He is now facing multiple charges, including evading arrest and giving false information.
Runge, Texas – Severiano Valdonado, 38, was arrested by the Karnes County Sheriff’s Office in Austin after a two-week search for the suspect in the murder of Michelle Jannsen. Valdonado is accused of shooting and killing Jannsen at a residence located in the 800 block of Leckie Street in Runge, Texas, just before 11 p.m. on September 18, 2025.
Karnes County Sheriff Steven Bailey reported that deputies provided first aid to Jannsen at the scene, but she was later pronounced dead. Valdonado was located on Wednesday morning at a homeless encampment in downtown Austin, where he was camping illegally along the river, violating the city’s camping ordinance. When approached by the Texas Department of Public Safety Bicycle Patrol Unit, Valdonado attempted to flee the scene. Troopers employed a Taser to subdue him and took him into custody.
After his arrest, Valdonado was booked into the Travis County Jail shortly before 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. He faces a total of six charges, which include four for non-Travis County offenses and two for charges in Travis County. The charges in Travis County consist of evading arrest, categorized as a state jail felony, and intending to give false information, recognized as a misdemeanor. Initially, it was believed that Valdonado fled the scene of the shooting before law enforcement arrived.
Details of the Incident
The incident leading to Jannsen’s death occurred on September 18, 2025. Deputies were dispatched to the scene in Runge following reports of a shooting. Once there, they found Jannsen in critical condition and immediately began administering first aid. Despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries at the site.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Following his capture, Valdonado’s legal journey now continues in the Travis County Jail. The multiple charges he faces stem partly from his attempt to evade arrest and provide false information during his detainment. With law enforcement still conducting the investigation, more details may emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident and Valdonado’s actions following the shooting.
Community Reaction
In the wake of Jannsen’s death, the community of Runge has expressed shock and grief. Local residents coming to terms with the tragic loss have called for justice, urging local officials to ensure that violence is addressed effectively. The Sheriff’s Office has emphasized its commitment to pursuing justice for the victim and ensuring safety in the community.
Background Information
Runge is a small town within Karnes County, Texas. Law enforcement in this area is tasked with addressing various threats to public safety. Recent incidents have underscored the challenges local authorities face in responding to crime and maintaining community trust and safety.
FAQ
Who is Severiano Valdonado?
Severiano Valdonado, 38, is accused of shooting and killing Michelle Jannsen in Runge, Texas.
When and where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred just before 11 p.m. on September 18, 2025, at a home located in the 800 block of Leckie Street in Runge.
What happened after the shooting?
Karnes County Sheriff Steven Bailey reported that deputies administered first aid to Jannsen, but she was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Where was Valdonado apprehended?
Valdonado was located at a homeless encampment in downtown Austin on Wednesday morning.
What charges is Valdonado facing?
Valdonado faces a total of six charges: four for non-Travis County offenses and two for charges in Travis County. The Travis County charges include evading arrest (a state jail felony) and intending to give false information (a misdemeanor).
Key Features of the Arrest and Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect Name | Severiano Valdonado |
| Victim Name | Michelle Jannsen |
| Incident Date and Time | September 18, 2025, just before 11 p.m. |
| Location | 800 block of Leckie Street, Runge, Texas |
| Arrest Date | Two weeks after the incident, on a Wednesday morning |
| Charges | 6 total; includes evading arrest and giving false information |
| Law Enforcement Agency | Karnes County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: Runge, Texas
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Search: Severiano Valdonado
- NBC News
- Google Scholar: Texas Department of Public Safety
- Austin Statesman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin
- KVUE News
- Google News: Michelle Jannsen
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.
