NW Austin homeowner fatally shoots intruder in self-defense

Police say a man was shot and killed after breaking into a northwest Austin home last month.

It happened Saturday, Oct. 21, in the 10500 block of Foundation Road, in a neighborhood just off FM 620.

The Austin Police Department says officers responded to the home at around 11:43 p.m. for a shooting call.

The caller reportedly stated that he had shot 55-year-old Ricardo Cortez, who had broken into his home. Upon arrival, officers found Cortez with a gunshot wound. He died shortly after the incident.

Initial findings by APD’s homicide detectives suggest Cortez broke into the house and then entered the homeowner’s bedroom, prompting him to shoot in self-defense, police said.