KINGSLAND, Texas (KXAN) — A fight broke out at a birthday celebration at a home in Kingsland a few weeks ago. A former Lake Travis Independent School District student died as a result of it.
Two teenagers were arrested, and now Llano County Sheriff Bill Blackburn said there’s an arrest warrant out for a third person.
‘Somebody ended up dead’
Sheriff Blackburn said it was a belated birthday celebration that ended in tragedy.
“Somebody ended up dead as a result of the actions of some other people,” Blackburn said.
On July 14, the Llano County Sheriff’s Office said what was supposed to be a small gathering to celebrate David Justus’ birthday quickly grew out of hand.
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Sheriff Blackburn said the fight happened at a lake house in Kingsland. (Photo: KXAN) -
Sheriff Blackburn said the fight happened at a lake house in Kingsland. (Photo: KXAN) -
Sheriff Blackburn said the fight happened at a lake house in Kingsland. (Photo: KXAN) -
Sheriff Blackburn said the fight happened at a lake house in Kingsland. (Photo: KXAN) -
Sheriff Blackburn said the fight happened at a lake house in Kingsland. (Photo: KXAN)
“A small number of people there, four to six people there,” Blackburn said. “Apparently the word got out, and we estimate around 35 people there.”
Blackburn said a fight broke out after someone threw a beer can at Justus’ girlfriend.
“She was upset went and told David, and she pointed out a guy that had thrown it,” Blackburn said. “It turned out being the wrong guy. He [David] went downstairs and he did knock that guy out.”
After that, Blackburn said a group started beating up Justus.
“A full fight ensued,” Blackburn said. “David got hit and kicked and it looked like five or six or seven different people.”
The sheriff said Justus got knocked out and hit his head on concrete. Deputies found him unresponsive when they arrived at the home. Justus was taken to the hospital where he later died.
Lake Travis ISD confirmed Justus graduated from high school there in 2023.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Justus family during this difficult time.”
Lake Travis ISD
Charged with manslaughter
Blackburn said they’re working off cellphone video and eyewitness accounts as they figure out who will face charges.
“There were so many people involved. We have different views of it, and from different cameras.”
Sheriff Bill Blackburn, Llano County
Law enforcement arrested and charged 19-year-old Ryan Moore and 18-year-old Francisco Reyes with manslaughter.
There’s an arrest warrant out for a third person.
“His lawyer has contacted us and says he will turn himself in but not here in Llano,” Blackburn said.
However, the arrests won’t stop there. Ultimately, Blackburn said anyone involved will be held responsible.
“Probably going to make at least one more arrest, possibly two,” Blackburn said. “They will be charged with manslaughter.”
Attorney information for Moore was unavailable as of Wednesday afternoon. KXAN is working to find attorney information for Reyes and will reach out for a statement on his behalf once that information is available.