The Austin Police Department (APD) has announced the apprehension of a 17-year-old suspect, Eloy Adrian Camarillo, in the fatal shooting of Jamie White, a 36-year-old reporter for InfoWars. The incident, which occurred on March 9 during an attempted vehicle burglary, led to White's death and has since sparked significant attention in South Austin and beyond.
On the night of the crime, Jamie White was shot as he confronted individuals attempting to break into his vehicle outside the Chandelier Apartments on Douglas Street. Despite being rushed to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, White was declared deceased shortly after midnight on March 10. The investigation, which included analyzing surveillance footage and cell phone data, linked Camarillo and others to the scene and subsequent events.
The APD's affidavit suggests that White stumbled upon the suspects while they were targeting his green Kia Soul, which has been highlighted as a vehicle model susceptible to theft. The rapid escalation of the confrontation resulted in White being shot at close range and collapsing near his car. APD homicide detective Jason Jones pointed out the vulnerability of Kia vehicles to theft, noting a recent fix issued by Kia, though many have yet to implement it.
In the days following the shooting, authorities utilized various forms of evidence, including vehicle theft reports and digital footprints, to trace the suspects' activities. Surveillance footage indicated the presence of a black Kia Soul at the crime scene before and after the incident. This vehicle was later found abandoned in East Austin.
The cell phone data specifically placed Camarillo at multiple locations pertinent to the case, corroborating the timeline of events laid out by detectives. During an interrogation, Camarillo admitted to the group's intention to "joyride" in White's car and confirmed that the shooting occurred after White confronted one of the perpetrators.
Camarillo was booked into Travis County Jail, with his bond set at $250,000. The capital murder charge he faces in Texas could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty, contingent on court proceedings. While Camarillo remains the only individual arrested to date, the investigation continues as detectives seek to locate the remaining suspects.
As the APD calls for public assistance in the ongoing case, InfoWars founder Alex Jones publicly lamented the loss of Jamie White, calling attention to his dedication to the media organization. Jones also speculated on the nature of the crime, initially questioning whether White's death was connected to political motives before conceding it likely stemmed from the local crime wave.
The response from InfoWars and its associates has been a mix of tribute and resolve, with White's social media posts reflecting his commitment to their cause. The InfoWars website and social channels have been actively honoring White's memory, painting him as a devoted reporter and team member.
