Man arrested in hit-and-run during South by Southwest indicted on several counts

Editor's note: The above video is from previous, related coverage we reported on April 1, 2024.

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The man who was arrested in connection with a deadly hit-and-run in downtown Austin during South by Southwest was handed three indictments by a grand jury earlier this week, according to the Travis County District Attorney's Office.

District Attorney José Garza's office said Tyrone Thompson, 23, faces three indictments. The first two include four counts each of murder, intoxication manslaughter, manslaughter, and collision involving death. The third indictment was for obstruction or retaliation, according to the DA.

The charges stem from the deaths of Cody Shelton, 26, and William Dunham, 34, who both died following a hit-and-run crash that happened in the early morning hours on March 12 at Seventh and Red River streets after a police chase with a vehicle, according to police documents.

Thompson was arrested by the Austin Police Department after reportedly hitting two pedestrians.

According to police, one of the pedestrians, Shelton, died that night and the other, Dunham, was taken to the hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries and died weeks later. Thompson did not stop to provide aid to the two victims.

Thompson remains in custody and has several bonds listed according to online jail records.

Thompson's attorney Charlie Baird issued the following statement:

Tyrone Thompson has been charged with murder in two cases involving the death of two individuals, and obstruction of law enforcement in a third case.  Mr. Thompson’s bail in the three cases totals $280,000.00.  This bail amount is excessive and violates Mr. Thompson’s Constitutional right to be released from custody on bonds that have conditions to ensure his appearance in court and the safety of the community.  We are disappointed Judge Brad Urrutia did not lower the bonds, and we are appealing his decision.  We believe the appellate court will remedy this injustice.  Mr. Thompson look forward to his release and rejoining his wife, three-year-old daughter, and family.

The public should not rush to judgment.  We ask that everyone remain mindful that under our Constitution, Mr. Thompson is presumed innocent.  He looks forward to having his day in court where all the evidence will be put before a jury.

Charlie Baird
Attorney for Tyrone Thompson