Package bomb murders: More explosions in Texas spark hate crime fears

Two people have been injured in Austin, Texas after a package bomb exploded, the latest in a string of blasts that might be part of race hate crimes.

Police dogs and their handlers deploy at the scene of an explosion in southwest Austin, Texas, Sunday, March 18, 2018.

Police dogs and their handlers deploy at the scene of an explosion in southwest Austin, Texas, Sunday, March 18, 2018. Source: AAP

At least two people have been injured in another explosion in Texas' capital after three package bombs detonated earlier this month in other parts of the city killing two people and injuring two others.

Austin police tweeted that an explosion in southwest Austin had injured two men in their 20s who were hospitalised. There were early reports of two possible explosions, but officials later tweeted that only one had been confirmed.

There was no immediate word on what caused the blast. Police blocked off the entrance to the suburban neighbourhood where it occurred and urged people living nearby to stay in their homes.

A package bomb exploded at an East Austin home on March 2, killing a 39-year-old man. Two package bombs in other parts of the city exploded March 12, killing a 17-year-old, wounding his mother and injuring a 75-year-old woman.

Interim Austin police Chief Brian Manley, center, talks to the media after another explosion, early Monday, March 19, 2018, in Austin, Texas.
Interim Austin police Chief Brian Manley, center, talks to the media after another explosion, early Monday, March 19, 2018, in Austin, Texas. Source: AAP


The latest explosion on Sunday came hours after authorities raised the reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever is responsible for the first three explosions by $US50,000 to now total $US115,000.

Officials believe the earlier bombings are related and could be race hate crimes, but have not ruled out any possible motive.

Authorities have conducted 236 interviews in following up 435 leads.

The investigation so far

More than 500 law enforcement personnel are actively involved in the investigation, according to a statement released by the FBI. 

On Friday, March 2 39-year-old Anthony Stephan House was killed after he handled a box left on his front porch at his residence in the 1100 block of Haverford Drive.

On Monday, March 12 17-year-old Draylen William Mason was killed and his 41-year-old mother was critically injured after she opened a package left on the front porch of her residence at the 4800 block of Oldfort Hill Drive, Austin, Texas.

Later that Monday morning, a 75-year-old Hispanic female was critically injured when she handled a package left near her home in the 6700 block of Galindo Street, in the Montopolis Neighborhood, Austin, Texas.


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