Tragedy in Uhland: 17-Year-Old Shot and Killed Outside Home in Early Morning Ambush

AUSTIN, TX (May 25, 2025) — A community is reeling after a fatal shooting in the quiet town of Uhland, Texas, claimed the life of a 17-year-old male in the early morning hours of Sunday. Authorities with the Uhland Police Department confirmed the tragic incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. in the 100 block of Rocky Road, a typically peaceful residential area located about 30 miles southeast of Austin.

According to police, multiple calls were placed to 911 reporting gunfire outside a home in the neighborhood. Responding officers arrived on scene to find a teenage male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services were quickly dispatched and attempted life-saving measures, but the teen was pronounced dead at the scene shortly thereafter.

The identity of the victim has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. Friends and neighbors say the young man was a local high school student who lived nearby and was well-known in the community. Several residents described waking up to the sound of gunshots and sirens, with one neighbor recalling seeing flashing lights and police tape surrounding the house for several hours.

“I’ve lived here for over 20 years, and we’ve never had anything like this happen on this street,” said Sylvia Marquez, a longtime Uhland resident who lives just a few houses down. “It’s terrifying to know that a child lost his life like this.”

Authorities have not released any details regarding a suspect or motive, and it remains unclear whether the victim was targeted or if the shooting stemmed from an altercation. Police are currently interviewing witnesses and reviewing nearby security camera footage in hopes of identifying those involved.

The Uhland Police Department, with assistance from the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers, is leading the investigation. Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” said Uhland Police Chief Robert Medina during a brief press conference Sunday morning. “We are asking members of the public who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area around the time of the shooting to please contact us. Even the smallest piece of information could be critical.”

Medina emphasized that additional officers will be patrolling the area over the next several days as the investigation continues and to help ease concerns from residents shaken by the incident.

In the wake of the tragedy, community members have begun organizing a candlelight vigil to honor the young victim. Local leaders, school officials, and faith organizations are also stepping in to offer grief counseling and emotional support services for students, friends, and families affected by the loss.

“This young man had his entire life ahead of him,” said Pastor Jonathan Ellis of Unity Church in nearby Kyle. “Our hearts go out to his family. We are grieving with them and praying that justice is served.”

Uhland, a small city of just over 1,000 residents nestled between Kyle and Lockhart, rarely experiences violent crime, making Sunday’s shooting all the more shocking to locals.

Anyone with tips or information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Uhland Police Department at (512) 398-2871 or submit an anonymous tip through Caldwell County Crime Stoppers.

As authorities work to piece together what happened in the early hours of Memorial Day weekend, a tight-knit community is left mourning a young life lost far too soon.