Homicide in Travis Co. highlights need for stronger mental health services, leaders say

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Tuesday's killing of a 21-year-old woman has emphasized the need for better mental health resources in Travis County, various groups told KXAN.

According to court records, a 19-year-old is accused of killing her 21-year-old relative inside their northeast Austin home. Deputies arrested the suspect, Keziah Titus, on murder charges.

Titus' arrest affidavit outlines a graphic, violent episode and state she admitted to killing one family member, trying to kill another and planning to kill one more.

Investigators said she called 911 saying "My mission was to assassinate somebody, but it went wrong."

Separate court records show Titus was arrested in April 2023 on misdemeanor family violence charges. She posted bond and got out of jail within three days, according to the Travis County Sheriff's Office. One of the conditions of her bond was that she receive mental health supervision.

The County Attorney's Office can't release specific information about the level of mental health supervision and/or care a person receives. However, the office said such resources are limited and emphasized the need for a mental health diversion center, which is currently in the works in Travis County.

Titus does not have an attorney listed for her at this time. KXAN will update this article when that changes.