Once a savior, now a victim

AUSTIN (KXAN) - He battled alcoholism for years, established sober houses across Austin and helped hundreds battle their addictions.

But in the end, 57-year-old Otto Wiley became a victim of his own demons. Wiley was stabbed to death at the notorious Budget Lodge Inn in north Austin on Wednesday after a drinking binge with another man.

At 5 a.m. on Thursday, Austin police arrested Carlos Mares, Sr., and charged him with 1st degree murder. Mares and Wiley were seen together on a surveillance camera at the Chevron station next to the motel, allowing police to track the suspect down and arrest him.  

Police said Mares had said he called his son hours after the stabbing to say he was "hiding and was scared because he had gotten into a fight with a dude after they had been drinking."

Mares said he had picked up a knife and stabbed Wiley in the chest, according to the police interview with his son.

Wiley had once been a successful magician who performed around the world. He settled in Austin years ago, and - motivated by his own addiction to alcohol - began founding sober houses around town. "The Clean House", "Powerhouse" and "The Launch Pad"  were among those he founded.

He took people in, set strict recovery rules, and helped hundreds find jobs, new lives and God. In December 2009, he received a "certificate of appreciation" from Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell for helping so many get back on their feet after addiction nearly destroyed them.

One man he helped, who asked to be identified only as "Tom," recalls:

"I had just the clothes on my back and a few bucks in my pocket. He provided me with a place to live at the sober house and was able to secure employment. He helped hundreds. He's pretty much given his life to helping others."

But recently he relapsed and was kicked out of the sober house he founded and managed.

As Tom says: "He was asked to leave because the same rules apply to the manager as apply to the residents. His alcoholism inevitably got him in the situation he was in."

Wiley ended up at the Budget Lodge, which police say has been a haven for drugs, violence and prostitution for years. APD has responded to 55 calls there this year alone.

Tom, who said he didn't know Mares, last spoke to Wiley the day before his death.

"I just told him, 'Hang in there, Brother. As long as you get back on the wagon and do the work and get right with God, everything will work out fine in your life."

Wiley had planned to leave Austin this week, return home to live with his parents in Tulsa, Oklahoma, get straight and establish new sober houses there.

He never made it.

Erin Cargile and Jackie Vega of KXAN contributed to this report.