Unraveling the Mental Health Crisis in Travis County: A Call for Increased Resources Amidst Tragic Incidents

The recent killing of a 21-year-old woman in Travis County has brought attention to the need for better mental health resources in the county. Several groups have called for increased access to mental health services to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

According to court records, a 19-year-old named Keziah Titus is accused of killing her relative in their northeast Austin home on Tuesday. She was arrested on murder charges after a violent incident where she admitted to killing one family member, attempting to kill another, and planning to kill another.

Titus had previous run-ins with the law, as she was arrested in April 2023 on misdemeanor family violence charges. She was released on bond within three days, with one condition being that she receive mental health supervision. However, the limited mental health resources in the county have raised concerns about the ability to provide adequate care for individuals like Titus.

The Travis County Attorney’s Office has highlighted the need for a mental health diversion center, currently in development in the county, to better address mental health issues in the community. While Titus does not have an attorney listed at this time, efforts are being made to improve mental health services in Travis County and prevent future incidents like this from happening.

In conclusion, the recent tragedy highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive and accessible mental health resources in Travis County. The community must work together to ensure that individuals who struggle with mental illness receive the care they need before it’s too late.