The death of 29-year-old has prompted a public outpouring of grief as family, friends and members of Austin鈥檚 music community come to terms with her unexplained murder. Barrera was found dead inside her home around 3 a.m. on January 1, , after ringing in the New Year at the just a few blocks away.
University of Texas police have released believed to be responsible for at least one other sexual assault in that area early Sunday morning.
"We do not know yet if the three incidents are related, but we are releasing information on all three incidents in hopes of alerting the public and also receiving information from the public," UT police
UT police describe the suspect as:
- Black Male
- Aged 30 to 40
- Approximately 6鈥�, muscular build
- Large, dark brown eyes
- Last seen wearing a grey hooded jacket over dark-colored t-shirt and blue jeans
You can report information at APD's Homicide Tip Line at 512-477-3588 or Crimestoppers at 512-472-TIPS.
Barrera was active in Austin鈥檚 music community. She was a counselor and mentored bands. She was a regular at Waterloo Records, which posted the single word, 鈥溾�� on its Facebook page early this morning.
Alyx Vesey wrote 鈥渁 tribute to esme鈥�
Esme was a teacher and gave the gifts of listening, improvising, and problem-solving to her friends. She was an amazing Girls Rock Camp counselor and became a model for how I present myself in front of students and run a classroom. She was hilarious鈥揳lways quick with a joke, a story about her mom, or a day-after reel about a night out on the town. She was also tiny, but always seemed larger in part because she could frequently be seen at shows or parties holding a tall boy or a long neck seemingly a third her size.
After one of Barrera鈥檚 friends appealing for anyone with information on her death to come forward, other friends chimed in with condolences.
鈥淸She] really was one of the most universally liked people that i've ever known. absolutely gut-wrenching that something so horrible happened to someone who had nothing but love to give,鈥� user responded.
鈥淚 also knew her through mutual friends, and she was the most open, friendly person. This is surreal,鈥� user said.
Elsewhere, someone to help raise funds for Barrera鈥檚 funeral.
Barrera鈥檚 friend Avery Allen that Barrera took on New Year鈥檚 Eve of a purple sunset behind the silhouette of a live oak tree and labeled it 鈥渂eautiful.鈥�
Teachers at Casis Elementary School held a vigil at Barrera's home today, . Girls Rock Camp Austin is hosting tonight from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. at on East Sixth Street.
