The Urgent Need for Improved Mental Health Resources: A Tragedy in Northeast Austin Highlights the Importance of Prioritizing Access to Mental Health Services

The killing of a 21-year-old woman on Tuesday in northeast Austin has brought to light the urgent need for better mental health resources in Travis County. Various groups have called for increased access to mental health services to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

Court records indicate that a 19-year-old named Keziah Titus is accused of killing her 21-year-old relative in their home. Titus 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 again.

In conclusion, it is imperative that we prioritize better access to mental health resources in our communities. The tragic events of this week serve as a stark reminder of how critical it is to address these issues head-on and ensure that individuals who may need help get the care they deserve.