Community

For Austin Kanuch’s family, the grief of losing a husband, father, son and friend has never faded. But on May 20, 2026, beneath the trees at Cypress Park in northwest Harris County, there was also a sense of remembrance, community support and determination.

Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey joined Crime Stoppers of Houston, Austin’s loved ones and community members to dedicate a memorial bench in Austin’s honor as part of the We Remember Memorial Project, an initiative designed to recognize victims of violent crime while helping families keep unsolved cases in the public eye.

The memorial now stands at Cypress Park, located at 12925 N. Eldridge Parkway in Cypress, serving both as a tribute to Austin’s life and as a visible reminder that his family is still seeking justice.

“From today forward, this memorial stands as a permanent tribute to Austin and to all victims of violent crime,” Commissioner Ramsey said during the dedication ceremony. “It’s a place where remembrance and hope exist together. Through this, we ensure these lives are never forgotten.”

A Family Still Waiting for Answers

Austin Kanuch was 39 years old when he was killed inside his Houston-area home on Sept. 22, 2023. According to investigators, an unknown suspect forcibly entered the residence while Austin was asleep and fatally stabbed him before fleeing the scene on a mountain-bike-style bicycle captured on surveillance footage.

Nearly three years later, the case remains unsolved.

Crime Stoppers of Houston has now increased the reward to up to $40,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible.

“It’s been nearly three years — still no arrest, still no answer,” said Andy Kahan, Director of Victim Services and Victim Advocacy for Crime Stoppers of Houston. “Right now, Crime Stoppers has up to a $40,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the suspect. Justice is not impossible — it’s necessary. So today, we honor Austin by refusing to let his story die.”

For many in the Copperfield and Cypress communities, Austin’s story remains deeply personal. Friends and loved ones remember him not for the violence that ended his life, but for the generosity, warmth and energy he brought to others.

Remembering the Man Gone Too Soon

Austin’s family describes him as someone who gave freely of himself — not only materially, but emotionally and personally. He loved music, sports, cars and barbecue, and was known for making time for the people around him.

Above all else, they say, he cherished his family.

Austin was a devoted husband to Mary and a proud father to three children. His family says his greatest joy came from being present for the people he loved most.

“This memorial is more than just a place to sit – it’s a place to remember,” said Celene Miller, Austin’s mother. “For our family, it represents love, legacy and the quiet strength of someone we hold very dear.”

As family members gathered around the newly dedicated bench at Cypress Park, the memorial became more than a ceremonial installation. It became a permanent place for reflection — not only for Austin’s loved ones, but for a community still shaken by the tragedy.

“It’s a space where memories gather, where the presence of Austin is felt in the breeze, the sunlight and the stillness,” Miller continued. “It’s a gift to the community, but also a sanctuary for us – a way for us to honor his life.”

She said the memorial carries special meaning for Austin’s children, offering a lasting reminder of the father they lost.

“May this memorial always serve as a reminder, especially to his three children, of how deeply they were loved and how truly remarkable, humble and kind their father was,” Miller said.

The We Remember Memorial Project Expands Across Harris County Precinct 3

The We Remember Memorial Project is a partnership between Harris County Precinct 3 and Crime Stoppers of Houston aimed at honoring homicide victims while increasing awareness about unsolved violent crimes and victim advocacy resources.

The initiative plans to establish memorial installations throughout all 72 Precinct 3 parks. Each site includes a memorial bench and a tree dedicated in honor of a victim.

For families navigating unimaginable loss, organizers say the project creates both visibility and support.

In addition to memorializing loved ones, the initiative encourages residents across Cypress, Copperfield and greater northwest Harris County to remain engaged in helping solve cold cases and supporting crime prevention efforts.

With more than 1.2 million residents across Harris County Precinct 3, Commissioner Ramsey said the project reflects a broader commitment to safer neighborhoods and stronger community support systems.

Community Asked to Help Solve Austin Kanuch’s Murder

Despite ongoing investigative efforts, authorities believe someone may still have information that could break the case open.

Investigators continue to point to surveillance footage showing a suspect leaving the area on a mountain-bike-style bicycle shortly after the attack.

Crime Stoppers emphasizes that tips can remain completely anonymous.

Residents with information about Austin Kanuch’s murder can submit tips in three ways:

• Call Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477)
• Submit a tip online through the Crime Stoppers tip form HERE
• Use the Crime Stoppers Houston mobile app available on Apple and Android devices

For Austin’s family, every renewed appeal is about more than solving a case. It is about ensuring Austin is remembered for the life he lived and the people who loved him.

And now, at Cypress Park, there is a place where that remembrance will remain visible to the community for years to come.

Residents can learn more about the We Remember Memorial Project at pct3.com/We-Remember-Memorial and crime-stoppers.org/we-remember-request.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continued updates on community initiatives, public safety efforts and stories impacting families across northwest Harris County.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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.