A vile criminal is still on the loose in Austin. On New Year’s Eve, Esme Barrera was violently assaulted and killed by this man. A few other women have also been attacked by the same individual.
Frankly, I’m terrified since this guy hasn’t been identified or apprehended yet. I venture off on my own all the time - I run errands and shop alone at night. I run/walk in my neighborhood and the Town Lake trails all the time (with headphones too). This tragic news was really a wake-up call; I don’t feel safe on my own anymore. Even if armed with pepper spray or a gun, I wouldn’t stand a chance against a 6-foot man with malicious intent.
It’s unfortunate that a few sick individuals can make an entire community feel so threatened and fearful, but at least awareness and preventative efforts have resulted from all of this.
Esme Barrera was a teacher and a figure in the Austin music scene. She was even an employee at my favorite record store, Waterloo Records; I wonder if she ever sold me any vinyl or concert tickets. This logo was created in her honor and several benefit shows have been played in her honor.
I know I get irrational sometimes - I have a lot of unnecessary fears, especially because crime happens in Austin all the time. But for some reason I feel particularly threatened by this guy. I’m not a believer in anything really, but my thoughts and prayers go out to Esme’s friends and family and I sincerely hope that the APD finds and arrests this guy soon.
