Man facing murder charge related to body found stabbed, burned in Austin wooded area
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Friday, the Austin Police Department identified a man who was arrested and charged in connection with a January homicide investigation.
APD said 32-year-old Tomas Gonzalez was charged with murder and two counts of tampering with evidence related to the death of 50-year-old Jonathan Salas.
Following an investigation, police accused Gonzalez of stabbing Salas and then burning his body in an attempt to destroy evidence.
On Jan. 4, 911 received calls regarding a fire at a known homeless camp near the 1700 block of Nelms Drive. At the scene, firefighters found a fire that consumed a tent, and the body of a man, later identified as Salas.
On Jan. 6, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force found and arrested Gonzalez. Three warrants were issued for Gonzalez on Wednesday, according to police. Those charges included:
- First-degree murder
- Second-degree felony tampering with evidence
- Third-degree tampering with evidence
APD said Gonzalez was currently in jail facing these additional charges, and police said this case was being investigated as Austin’s first homicide of 2025.
Police said Gonzalez was previously charged with murder in a 2022 homicide investigation, which had been dismissed. APD said detectives would continue to investigate that separate murder charge against Gonzalez.
APD asked that anyone with information related to these cases contact the department at 512-974-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.
