Austin police charge Kent Outten with murder after victim dies days after East Austin assault

Case timeline: assault, shooting, and a death days later

Austin police have filed a murder charge against Kent Outten, 33, following the death of Rex Johnson after a late-night assault and shooting in East Austin.

The shooting occurred around 1:51 a.m. on March 31, 2025, in the 400 block of North Interstate 35. Police said Johnson was found unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds and was taken to a local hospital. He died several days later, at 1:15 p.m. on April 3, 2025.

What investigators say happened

Detectives described an encounter involving two suspects approaching Johnson and another man described as Johnson’s blind friend, who was using a cane. Police said one suspect assaulted Johnson, knocking him to the ground, while a second suspect shot him. Both fled east from the intersection after the shooting.

Early in the investigation, police released descriptions of two male suspects and sought public tips. The case was initially handled as an aggravated assault investigation while Johnson remained hospitalized, then moved into a homicide investigation after his death.

Arrest and charge

Police said homicide detectives arrested Outten on May 13, 2025, and charged him with murder in Johnson’s death. Authorities have not publicly detailed what specific evidence led to the identification of Outten, beyond investigative steps such as interviews and review of surveillance video.

Investigators link the homicide case to a separate shooting

Police also disclosed that, after Johnson’s death, a separate shooting occurred on April 9, 2025, in the 1000 block of East Cesar Chavez. Detectives said that after interviewing victims and reviewing video surveillance, they determined the suspect in Johnson’s murder was also responsible for that later shooting.

Officials credited community members who spoke with detectives, along with assistance from a regional fugitive task force, as part of the effort that led to the arrest.

What remains unclear

• A motive has not been released.

• Police have not specified whether prosecutors will allege Outten acted alone or with another person during the March 31 incident.

• Authorities have not released details on whether additional charges are expected related to the April 9 shooting.

Anyone with information related to the case has been asked to contact Austin police or submit tips anonymously through local tip channels.