Austin police identify two deaths on Windrift Way as apparent murder-suicide on February 14

What happened

Austin police say a homicide investigation remains open after two people were found dead inside a South Austin residence on Valentine’s Day.

Officers responded at 11:29 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, to a welfare-check call at a home in the 6700 block of Windrift Way. The call was made after a report that Megan Montgomery had not shown up for work. Police entered the residence after obtaining a key from family members and found two deceased individuals inside the home.

The victims were identified as Megan Montgomery, 38, and Samuel Rios, 47. Both were pronounced dead at the scene and were described by investigators as having apparent trauma to their bodies.

Investigation status and preliminary findings

Homicide detectives and crime scene specialists processed the scene and began interviews. Police said preliminary findings indicate Rios fatally stabbed Montgomery and then took his own life. No arrests are expected because the suspected assailant is also deceased.

Police characterized the incident as Austin’s eighth homicide of 2026. Even when investigators believe they have established what happened, cases of this kind typically require additional work to document a timeline, confirm circumstances and reconcile physical evidence with witness statements and medical findings.

What remains unknown

• Investigators have not released details about the relationship between the two individuals or the events leading up to the welfare check.
• Police have not provided a public timeline for when the deaths occurred within the residence.
• Any final determination of cause and manner of death will be made through the medical examiner process.

How investigators handle cases like this

In suspected murder-suicide investigations, detectives typically focus on corroborating the sequence of events through scene documentation, forensic analysis, digital records and interviews with family, friends and potential witnesses. Authorities may also review any prior calls for service, protective orders or other records that could establish context, when legally available.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS, or submit an anonymous tip through Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477.

The Windrift Way investigation remains active as detectives complete reports and await remaining forensic and medical determinations.