The Austin community is grieving after a devastating family violence incident claimed the lives of 79-year-old Charles Wagnon and his 20-year-old grandson, Trevor Shepherd, on Monday evening in southwest Austin. What began as a dispute inside a home on O’Rourk Lane ended in a heartbreaking loss that has left loved ones reeling and neighbors struggling to understand how such a tragedy could unfold within a family.
Austin police responded to the residence Monday evening after receiving reports of a disturbance. When officers arrived, they found both men suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by first responders, Charles Wagnon and Trevor Shepherd were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators later determined that the incident stemmed from a verbal altercation that escalated into violence, resulting in both relatives fatally shooting one another.
Authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public. All individuals involved were accounted for, and police described the incident as isolated to the family. While the investigation has clarified the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the emotional impact continues to ripple through the community and among those closest to the victims.
Charles Wagnon is remembered as a grandfather whose life spanned nearly eight decades. Family members describe him as a man who carried stories, traditions, and the wisdom of lived experience. His role within the family was deeply rooted, representing stability and a connection to generations past. His loss leaves a profound absence that cannot easily be filled.
Trevor Shepherd, just 20 years old, was at the beginning of adulthood, a stage filled with possibility and hope. His youth symbolized potential—dreams yet to be fulfilled and a future still taking shape. Friends and relatives say his death is especially painful, as his life was only just unfolding, making the loss even more difficult to accept.
This tragedy has been described as almost unimaginable for the surviving family, particularly for the mother and daughter who lost both a father and a son in a single, devastating moment. As the Austin community reflects on the loss of Charles Wagnon and Trevor Shepherd, police and community leaders continue to stress the importance of seeking help during moments of conflict. Resources remain available for families facing disputes, as loved ones mourn and search for healing in the wake of an unthinkable loss.
