AUSTIN, TEXAS: Suspected gunman, De'Ondre White, responsible for a mass shooting on Austin's Sixth Street two years ago, in 2021, is currently under arrest. His trial began on August 29.
However, he is not the only one that the mother of one of the victims is blaming. Just days before her son's alleged killer, White, went on trial for murder, Julia Kantor sent an email to Austin City Council members calling them cowards.
In a scathing letter, Julia Kantor blamed the members of the council in part for her son's death as they were responsible for defunding the police.
Julia's son, Douglas Kantor, a 25-year-old tourist, was killed in the crossfire in June 2021 while he was out enjoying himself on Austin's bustling 6th Street.
How many people were killed in the Austin mass shooting on June 12, 2021?
Julia's son, Douglas Kantor, a Ford IT worker, was visiting Austin from Michigan where he was enrolled in a master’s degree in business at the University of Michigan.
As a tourist, he was an innocent bystander when De'ondre White, 22, fired eight times at a group of people with whom he and his friends had an ongoing dispute. The shooting occured at around 1.30 am on June 12, 2021, in the middle of the city’s bustling downtown area full of bars, pubs and live music venues.
Douglas died in agony while another 14 people were injured in the shooting. Besides Douglas, who was shot through the abdomen — just below the rib cage, there were no other fatalities that night.
Julia blamed the council, which voted to defund the police in 2020, for the lawlessness that erupted on the streets the night her son died.
Julia Kantor's accusations coincided with the resignation of Austin Police Chief. In her letter, Julia told council members that they had "killed and ruined thousands of lives" and "couldn't care less as long as you stay in power," as reported by DailyMail.
What did Julia Kantor said in the e-mail?
In the letter obtained by Fox News Digital, the bereaved mother stated:
"Aug 28th in Austin TX there will be jury selection for the murder of my son Douglas Kantor and the attack on 14 others for the June 12th 2021 mass shooting on 6th street."
"I hope you will follow this [trial] as your duty to your citizens. It was you, the city council and others who defunded the police and welcomed these evil people with no regard for life to run and ruin your city."
She added, "It's time you see what you have done to not only the victims like my son but also to our family and friends and your city. Your irresponsible choices for political gain has put a target on the backs of Austin's citizens and all who visit."
Julia added, "You have killed and ruined thousands of lives and couldn't care less as long as you stay in power. Just like the killer, you are ALL COWARDS. "
Letter adds, "NONE OF YOU HAD THE GUTS TO SPEAK UP AND POINT OUT HOW STUPID AND DESTRUCTIVE THAT WAS. I'M SURE IF YOUR KIDS WERE BEING KILLED YOU WOULD FIND YOUR VOICE."
In the end of the letter she concluded, "Remember what goes around comes around in different ways. Look at the last photo. This is the animal you released on my son and the people of Texas without a thought."
How long is the De'Ondre White trial expected to last?
The murder trial of De'Ondre White is expected to last two weeks. He is charged with murdering Douglas Kantor and injuring 14 others. White has been held in a Killeen jail for months now on a $1 million bond.
On August 28, a Travis County grand jury had officially indicted De’Ondre White with murder. He was also indicted for 14 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. White has pleaded not guilty.
