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Lakeway Man Dies After Brutal Assault at Lake House Party ‘A Senseless and Brutal Assault’

20-year-old Lakeway man has tragically passed away
Photo by Getty Images

A 20-year-old Lakeway man has tragically passed away following a violent altercation at a lake house party in Llano County. The brawl involved around 30 teens and young adults from across the region, including some from Austin, according to Llano County Sheriff Bill Blackburn.

David Michael Justus, a 2023 graduate of Lake Travis High School, succumbed to his injuries on July 23 at a hospital in Temple. His obituary stated that he died “from numerous traumatic injuries sustained during a senseless and brutal assault on him at a Kingsland property.”

Sheriff Blackburn reported that two 19-year-olds, Ryan Moore and Francisco Reyes, have been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection to Justus’ death. Authorities are currently searching for a third individual who faces a similar charge. “There are probably going to be more arrests,” Blackburn noted. “It was a party that got out of hand.”

The incident occurred on July 14 when a group of about 25 to 30 teens and young adults gathered at a home on Mesquite Drive in Kingsland for a party. The homeowner, whose identity has not been disclosed, had expected only a few guests to be with his son.

The violence erupted after one group threw a beer can at another, leading to a chaotic brawl. A cellphone video reviewed by the American-Statesman shows multiple men attacking Justus. “It looks like (Justus) got hit and knocked down and hit his head on a piece of concrete,” Blackburn said. “It is definitely a tragedy.”

Justus had attended Lake Travis schools from elementary through high school, graduating in 2023. At the time of his death, he was a student at Austin Community College, having completed his first year in May.

His parents honored his “larger-than-life personality” and “magical magnitude” in his obituary, highlighting his insatiable love of learning and his fierce devotion to his family, friends, and girlfriend, Saylor Davis. They expressed their belief that had his life not been tragically cut short, Justus would have “done amazing things and lived an extraordinary life.”

Justus was a passionate sports enthusiast, participating in basketball, football, soccer, and baseball through the Lake Travis Youth Association. He is survived by his parents, Dave and Daya Justus of Lakeway; his younger brother, Dawson Justus, also of Lakeway; and his girlfriend, Saylor Davis.

The community mourns the loss of a young man whose potential and vibrant spirit touched many lives. As the investigation continues, the search for justice and accountability for this “senseless and brutal assault” remains a priority for authorities and loved ones alike.

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