Austin Police Search for Suspect in Murder of Gay Man

(AUSTIN, TX) - The Austin Police Department is calling a suspicious death that occurred last weekend a homicide and is asking for the public's help in finding the suspect, the Austin American-Statesman reports.

David Villarreal, 36, was found dead instead his home late Monday. On Wednesday, police released video images of the victim and the suspect. The footage shows Villarreal entering his condo with a man in his 20s to 30s early Sunday morning.

The men met each other Friday night at Oilcan Harry's, a gay club in Austin, and the suspect was seen leaving Villarreal's home about an hour after entering, police believe.

"I have a strong feeling we'll catch this guy," Sgt. Brian Miller told the Statesman.

Authorities say Villarreal was dead for two days before a friend called police out of concern. Information on other details concerning the case, including the cause of death has not been released to the public.

In an impassioned plea to the culprit, the victim's aunt Melissa Villarreal Zavala told Houston's CBS-affiliated television station KHOU.
"Please come forward. God will forgive you, we will forgive you, just do the right thing, help us have closure."

The news station reports the suspect is believed to be between 5'7" and 5'10" and was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue plaid shorts.