Austin, TX – A man has been arrested and charged with the murder of a woman in central Austin after allegedly entering her apartment through a window on October 4, 2025. Paul Lester Allen, 26, is in custody with a $500,000 bond after police found the victim in her apartment with signs of violent trauma.
Details of the Alleged Murder
According to an arrest affidavit, police were called to a welfare check at an apartment on Avenue A near 45th and Guadalupe Streets on the morning of October 5. Officers found the woman lying in her bed with visible bruises on her face and signs of strangulation on her neck. Authorities have not yet identified the victim, as the Austin Police Department (APD) has not released her name.
The affidavit suggests that this was a case of domestic violence. Allen is described by the victim’s family as her on-and-off boyfriend, and they said he had stalked her in the past. A friend of the victim informed police that just before the attack, the victim had confided that Allen had followed her to a Walgreens, where he was reportedly “extremely agitated.” The friend stated that Allen was pacing and punching his hands together. Afterward, Allen followed the two women back to the apartment, but he eventually left.
Evidence and Investigation Lead to Allen’s Arrest
Upon investigating the crime scene, police discovered a handprint on the living room window and boot prints on the floor. The handprint was tested and identified as belonging to Allen, according to the affidavit.
Authorities initially attempted to arrest Allen a few days later, but he fled. After a manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Travis County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety, Allen was apprehended on October 9, 2025. He was booked into the Travis County Jail around 2 a.m. on October 10.
Allen’s Criminal History
Allen has a history of criminal activity in Travis County, though not directly related to the alleged murder. Most recently, in 2024, he was involved in a misdemeanor trespassing case in which he allegedly entered an unoccupied apartment. However, prosecutors declined to press charges in this case. In 2020, Allen was sentenced to 30 days in jail for attempting to commit unauthorized use of a vehicle. Additionally, Allen was arrested multiple times in 2020 in connection with protest activities, though those charges were also declined.
The Austin Police Department’s Commitment to Domestic Violence Prevention
In response to the increasing concern over domestic violence, the APD emphasized its commitment to a proactive, victim-centered approach. “Domestic violence remains a serious concern in our community, and Austin Police (APD) continues to prioritize a proactive and victim-centered approach to addressing it,” said the department in a statement. The APD’s Domestic Violence Unit focuses not only on responding to incidents but also on preventing future violence. Through early intervention, risk assessment tools, and collaboration with community partners, the department works to identify high-risk offenders and intervene before violence escalates.
The APD also partners with domestic violence support organizations, prosecutors, and social service providers to enhance victim safety and offender accountability. Victim Services counselors are assigned to all intimate partner domestic violence cases and collaborate closely with investigators throughout the case.
Resources for Domestic Violence Victims in Austin
The SAFE Alliance, a local organization, provides shelter and support for domestic violence survivors. According to staff, nearly 1,000 people are sheltered at SAFE facilities every night.
Additionally, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7, offering support to those in need. The hotline can be reached at (800) 799-7233 or by texting “START” to 88788.
Impact on the Austin Community
This case has drawn attention to the prevalence of domestic violence in the Austin area. Local officials have emphasized the importance of preventing domestic violence through early intervention and support systems. The proactive measures taken by the APD’s Domestic Violence Unit aim to identify potential threats before they escalate, and ensure that those at risk receive the support they need.
This tragic incident has left the community in shock, with many wondering how domestic violence can be prevented in the future. As authorities continue to investigate, the Austin community is left grappling with the painful reality of another life lost to domestic violence.
Call to Action
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