Kingsland shooting victim dies in rehab

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) -- A man shot by a Kingsland resident, who claimed he was protecting himself and his neighbor's property, died Sept. 29.

The Llano County Sheriff's Office said Casey Rowe, 25, passed away in a Lubbock rehab facility.

An autopsy is being performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Rowe was on life support following the shooting July 30 on River Oaks Drive.

Tommy Oakes, 64, said he was defending his life when he fired several bullets at Rowe and two other men inside a car. Oakes thought the three men were stealing items from his neighbor's home two doors down.

One bullet from Oakes' .45 pistol struck Rowe in the back of the neck.

Oakes was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, though the Llano County Sheriff's Office does not believe Rowe's death will change Oakes' charge.

KXAN Austin News was unable to reach the Llano County District Attorney.

A grand jury is expected to hear the case the first or second week in October.