Austin and Bastrop police believe 22-year-old Manuel Salgado Vasquez of Cedar Creek, Texas, fatally shot two women he had separately been in relationships with — 20-year-old Mariana Montoya Palacios in Bastrop on September 13, and 27-year-old Desiree Gauna in Austin around the same time — before shooting himself. Vasquez died from his injuries on September 15. Both police departments say the investigation remains active.
Two women, two cities, and one man investigators say is responsible for both of their deaths — a case that came together only after detectives working separately began comparing notes.
The Shooting in Bastrop
On Sunday, September 13, 2026, Vasquez met his former girlfriend, 20-year-old Mariana Montoya Palacios, at Fisherman’s Park in Bastrop. According to police, Vasquez shot Palacios at close range, killing her, and then shot himself.
Bastrop officers responding to the scene found Vasquez suffering from a gunshot wound and transported him to a hospital. Palacios was pronounced dead at the scene. Vasquez later died from his injuries on Tuesday, September 15, at approximately 2:58 p.m.
The shooting happened just before 6 p.m. Sunday, in a community unaccustomed to this kind of violence.
“Really saddened by the death of the girl,” said Jayson Hernandez, who works at a bike repair shop at Fisherman’s Park. “It’s totally unnecessary for sure in so many ways.” He added: “In Bastrop, we’re not used to this, that’s for sure. And we hope to not see any more of it.”
The Discovery in Austin
Two days later, on Tuesday morning, Austin police were called to a residence in the 700 block of West William Cannon Drive for a welfare check on 27-year-old Desiree Gauna, after a family member reported being unable to reach her. Officers arrived around 8:26 a.m. and found Gauna dead inside the home with apparent gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at 8:49 a.m.
Homicide detectives and forensic crime scene specialists responded. During their investigation, they learned Gauna had been living with Vasquez, and that she had stopped communicating with family and others on the afternoon of Sunday, September 13 — the same day Palacios was shot in Bastrop.
Investigators also determined Vasquez hadn’t shown up for work that Sunday, and his whereabouts remained unknown until his vehicle was located at a wrecker yard in Bastrop on Wednesday.
Connecting the Two Cases
As Austin detectives worked Gauna’s case, they learned of the shooting in Bastrop and realized Vasquez had been romantically involved with both women. Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives from both departments believe Vasquez was responsible for both deaths.
APD homicide detective Mendall Edwards described the ongoing work as largely a matter of confirming what investigators already believe happened.
“At this point, it’s about confirming evidence we already have through forensic testing. Just confirming that no one else is involved, and we do that through video evidence and forensic testing,” Edwards said.
Edwards called the case tragic and said his thoughts, and the department’s, remain with both victims’ families.
“I do always want to bring closure to victims,” he said. “I did speak with the family this morning. They were thankful he’s not on the loose anymore, however they’re clearly upset that justice is not being served in this case” — a reference to the fact that Vasquez’s death means he will never face charges or trial for either killing.
Investigation Remains Open
Austin police say the investigation into Gauna’s death remains active as detectives work to close out the case. No motive has been publicly released, and authorities have not disclosed additional details about the relationship dynamics involved.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Anyone facing an immediate threat to their safety should call 911.
