Houston Murder-Suicide: Preventable Tragedy Involving Convicted Murderer Out on Bond

Downtown Houston Murder-Suicide

• 💔 A murder-suicide occurred at the 1810 Main apartments in downtown Houston, involving 26-year-old Austin Collette and his 21-year-old girlfriend.
• 🚨 Police responded to a 911 call reporting a man killing his girlfriend, leading to the discovery of both individuals deceased.

Alleged Gunman's Criminal History

• ⚖️ Austin Collette had pleaded guilty to a drug-related murder in 2019 and was awaiting sentencing.
• 🔗 Despite allegedly violating bond conditions, Collette was released on bond by Judge Hillary Younger after pleading guilty in December.
• ⚠️ Victim's advocate Andy Kahan and the Houston Police Officers Union believe the tragedy was utterly preventable.

Concerns Over Bond Decisions

• ⏳ Kahan considers the four-month wait for sentencing while out on bond to be excessively long.
• 📜 A probation violation out of Jefferson County, which Kahan believes should have revoked Collette's bond, was also noted.
• 📢 The Houston Police Officers Union directly criticized Judge Hillary Younger's decision, stating more blood is on her hands.

Calls for Change

• ✊ Andy Kahan plans to lobby for changes related to post-conviction bond decisions.
• 🚩 The sentiment is that red flags were present and action should have been taken to prevent this outcome.