State Joins Effort with Additional $20,000 Reward to Help Family of Austin Kanuch Find Answers in Copperfield Case
Nearly two years after the heartbreaking loss of Austin Kanuch, a well-loved father, husband, and community member in the Copperfield area of Northwest Harris County, the search for justice continues—with new urgency and a significant boost in support from the State of Texas.
On September 12, Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or persons responsible for Kanuch’s brutal stabbing on September 22, 2023. This amount is in addition to the $20,000 reward already being offered by Crime Stoppers of Houston, bringing the total possible reward to $40,000.
“Cecilia and I continue to mourn the tragic loss of Austin Kanuch after he was brutally stabbed in Harris County, and we pray for his family and loved ones,” said Governor Abbott in the announcement. “With the public's help, we will ensure justice is served.”
A Tragic Crime in a Quiet Neighborhood
Kanuch, 39, was fatally attacked with an edged weapon while sleeping inside his home near 8600 Greenleaf Lake Drive, a quiet street located within the Copperfield community. His wife and their 23-month-old son were also home at the time but were unharmed.
The murder occurred just one day after Austin and his wife, Mary Paine Kanuch, had closed on their new home—a milestone that turned from joyful to devastating overnight.
“He was a peacemaker, a gentle spirit,” said his mother, Celene Miller, during a Crime Stoppers press conference in May. “Our family will not rest until his killer is found.”
Born and raised in Houston, Austin Kanuch graduated from Langham Creek High School in 2002 and earned a degree in Broadcasting and Journalism from Sam Houston State University. He had built a career as an Internet Sales Manager at West Houston Infiniti and was well known for his warmth, humor, and love for music, cars, and family.
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An Ongoing Investigation
According to Detective Kaelin Turner, who leads the investigation, video surveillance captured a person of interest riding a mountain-bike-style bicycle in the area around the time of the murder. The individual is described as thin and possibly young.
Despite receiving multiple tips and combing through hours of footage, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division has yet to make an arrest. They continue to urge the community to speak up if they know anything—no matter how small it may seem.
“We’ve talked to witnesses, reviewed footage, and followed up on leads,” Turner shared. “But we still need the community’s help. Someone out there knows something that can break this case open.”
How to Submit a Tip
The total reward of up to $40,000 is available to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and are encouraged to use any of the following secure methods:
To be eligible for the Governor's $20,000 reward:
- Call: Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
- Submit online: Submit an anonymous tip HERE
To be eligible for the Crime Stoppers Houston $20,000 reward:
- Call: 713-222-TIPS (8477)
- Submit online: crime-stoppers.org
- Use the App: Crime Stoppers Houston
- Contact the Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division: 281-564-5988
Callers’ anonymity is guaranteed by law, and tipsters will be given a tip number instead of using their name.
A Family Waiting for Answers
Austin’s loved ones have spent nearly two years navigating an unimaginable void. His young children—Abigail, Amelia, and Pearce—have had to grow up without the guidance of the man who was their biggest cheerleader. His wife Mary continues to raise their youngest son while carrying the weight of a loss that still has no explanation.
Austin’s stepfather, Harold Miller, and mother Celene remain active in the community’s efforts to find the perpetrator. They initially launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds for a reward, and although that campaign is paused, their commitment remains strong.
“This is not just about justice for Austin,” Celene said. “It’s about protecting other families and making sure whoever did this cannot harm anyone else.”
For updates on this case and other public safety alerts in the Copperfield and Northwest Houston area, follow My Neighborhood News and stay connected with your local community network.
If you have information that could help bring justice to the Kanuch family, now is the time to come forward.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
