Warrant issued in killing of teenager

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Police have issued an arrest warrant in the pre-dawn Friday shooting death of a teenager in East Austin.

Detectives were looking for Timothy Phillips, 22, whom they said is an acquaintance of 18-year-old Gerrell Earls, who was shot to death at the Walnut Creek Apartments complex off Springdale Road around 1:40 a.m.

According to police, the shooting happened in the parking lot. Witnesses told police they saw several people running from the scene.

• Teen's mom 'trying to hold on'

Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services crews tried to save Earls' life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

"We're not clear on what started the incident or if there is one suspect or several suspects involved in this homicide," said Austin Police Department Sgt. Scott Perry.

Back in May 2009, 18-year-old Nathaniel Sanders was shot and killed by officer Leonardo Quintana at the same apartment complex.

Sanders was asleep in the backseat of a station wagon being driven by Michael Franklin. Another man, Sir Lawrence Smith, was also asleep in the car, but in the passenger seat.

Franklin drove into the Walnut Creek Apartments complex with the alleged intention to drop off Sanders and Smith. Franklin then noticed the cop car following him into the complex.

Police have said they were investigating a report of a suspicious vehicle, specifically that the station wagon matched the description given by local residents of a car that was involved in some shooting incidents over the weekend.

Franklin got out of the car, and Quintana approached and detained him. At that time, Quintana tried to wake up Sanders in the backseat.

Quintana and police officials said Sanders reached for a gun while he tried to wake him, thus forcing Quintana to respond with lethal force.

Police said they have not been called to the complex for any serious crimes since that incident.

"As of late, there have not been any problems and not a large number of calls compared to other places," said Perry.

Perry said the family of the 18-year-old have been notified of his death. Police said anyone with information should call the Homicide Unit tip line at 512-477-3588, Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or text "Tip 103" plus the message to CRIMES.