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Arrest made for murder of Chelsea resident

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SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. – An arrest has been made in relation to the death of Tracy Ward Austin, who was found dead in his home last week.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on Monday March 5th, 2018, Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in the 5800 block of Shelby County Highway 39 to investigate a death. Responding deputies located the deceased and notified investigators who responded to the scene.

As released Monday, upon arrival, deputies discovered one of the residents of the home was dead. The deceased was positively identified as Tracy Ward Austin, 68 years of age, from Chelsea, Alabama, and his death was determined to be a homicide. The Shelby County Coroner’s Office and Sheriff’s investigators were actively working, trying to determine what caused Austin’s death and who may be responsible for it.

On Wednesday March 7, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reported that the Chelsea resident had been murdered in his home on Monday and asked for the public’s help in the case. Sheriff’s investigators were working on this around the clock since then and have made an arrest in the case.

Randall Anthony Gargone, 62, Chelsea, has been arrested and charged with “Capital Murder” and is being held without bond in the Shelby County Jail. Gargone has been previously convicted of armed robbery and other felony offenses. Sheriff Samaniego wants to thank everyone who provided tips and information, as well as the many men and women who worked to solve this homicide. He would also like to express his sincere condolences again to Mr. Austin’s friends and family.

Sheriff John Samaniego made a public statement regarding the arrest of Gargone for the murder of Austin.

While the arrest of Gargone is significant, the Sheriff’s Office’s investigation will continue all the way through prosecution. There may still be witnesses who have not come forward for any number of reasons. They still want to talk with anyone who has any information about Mr. Austin’s murder. If you know anything about this case, please contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office directly at (205)669-4181, through the Secret Witness line at (205)669-9116 or through SCSO website by clicking on the “Report Criminal Activity” link and choosing the “General Information” category.


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