Dec 2023. Blues Vol 39 No. 12

AROUND THE COUNTRY
AUSTIN, TX.
Tragedy struck again as Austin PD lost two more officers the
same weekend as Officer Pastore. Retired Officer Ray Shillito and
Officer Kristy Astran both lost their lives in separate incidents.
AUSTIN, TX, – APD and the Cities
of Austin and Leander, are both
grappling with the loss of Ray
Shillito Jr., a revered former Austin
Police Officer, after a fatal collision
Sunday, November 12th.
Around 11:50 a.m. on RM 2243,
Shillito’s Chevrolet Silverado was
struck head-on by a Ford Excursion
that had crossed the median
due to a mechanical failure.
Shillito, aged 51, died at the scene,
leaving behind a legacy of public
service.
Despite the tragic circumstances,
no charges have been filed
against the Ford driver, who cooperated
with law enforcement at
the scene. The Leander Police Department
(LPD) is conducting an
in-depth investigation, led by the
LPD Collision Reconstruction Team
with Lt. Ben Girdler as the media’s
point of contact.
The Austin community, where
Shillito had served on the Austin
Police Department before retiring
to join the City of Austin’s Development
Services Department’s
Code Compliance Team, is feeling
the weight of this loss. His dedication
to his community was significant
and widely recognized.
As the investigation continues,
both the Leander and Austin com-
32 The Blues 40th Anniversary Issue
OFFICER RAY SHILLITO
OFFICER KRISTY ASTRAN
munities are honoring Shillito’s
commitment to public service. His
life touched many, and his contributions
to law enforcement and
community welfare will not be
forgotten.
Senior Officer Kristy Astran, a
senior police officer with a 15-
year career at the Austin Police
Department, was known for her
professionalism, integrity, and
compassion. Her involvement in
high-profile cases showcased her
dedication to her job. However,
her life came to a tragic end when
she was found dead in her home.
While the cause of her death remains
undisclosed, reports suggest
she was under investigation
by the department and may have
taken her own life.
The Austin Police Department
expressed their condolences and
respect for Astran, highlighting
her impact on the force. Astran’s
legacy will be remembered
through her service and the love
she shared with her family and
friends.
The somber news follows the
recent passing of APD Officer
Jorge Pastore, and Officer Shillito,
marking a challenging weekend
for the law enforcement community
in Austin and throughout
Texas.