Man Dies of Gunshot Wounds Suffered During Home Invasion

A San Marcos man died of gunshot wounds Sunday after police say three men attempted to rob an apartment he was visiting.

Justin Douglas Gage (DOB 08/30/1995), a student at Texas State University, was out for the evening with one of his friends, and the two stopped early Sunday morning at the friend’s apartment at the Retreat, an apartment complex on the 500 block of Craddock Ave. When they went inside, a group of three men walked in shortly afterwards.

The three suspects are described as:

1) Black male 5’8″-5’10” with a dark complexion wearing a white mask and gray hoodie

2) Black male 5’8″-5’10” dark complexion wearing a black mask and red hoodie

3) Black male 5’8″-5’10” dark complexion wearing black mask

One suspect produced a pistol and threatened the two victims with it, and the friend began to struggle with him for the weapon. Gage was shot during the struggle.

The three offenders then fled, and Gage and the friend ran after them. They stopped when Gage discovered that he was shot and collapsed in the parking lot of the complex. The friend called 911, and police and medics arrived at approximately 3:29 a.m. Gage was transported to University Medical Center-Brackenridge and treated for gunshot wounds to the torso and upper arm.

Gage, in surgery most of the day, did not regain consciousness and San Marcos Police Department detectives were unable to speak with him. He died early Sunday afternoon.

There have been similar robberies that have been reported to SMPD. Most are occurring at apartment complexes where students reside, and drugs have been a factor in several of the robberies. Drugs, money and electronics have been taken during these robberies.

Police believe there is a threat to the public because the suspects have yet to be identified and are still at large. Detectives believe the suspects target drug dealers, but could also target others if given an opportunity.

People with information on the suspects should contact Detective Sandra Spriegel at 512.753.2369, sspriegel@sanmarcostx.gov 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday through Friday or SMPD non-emergency line at 512.753.2108 after hours.

Tips can be made to www.citizenobserver.com or Crime Stoppers of Hays County at www.callcrimestoppers.com.