Hunter James Meling

On March 30, 2026, at approximately 12:15 P.M., officers of the Austin Police Department were dispatched to 515 9th Avenue SW in the City of Austin, County of Mower, on a report of a domestic. The reporting party (L. J. H., an adult male) advised that he had received a call from Victim A (an adult male) stating that HUNTER JAMES MELING, DOB/030300, the defendant herein, was at the residence and was involved in an argument with Victim A. Officer Schroeder arrived and spoke with Victim A. Victim A stated that the defendant was currently in the backyard destroying a vehicle.

While walking to the backyard, Schroeder heard what appeared to be a crashing sound near the garage. Victim A advised the officer that the defendant was making the noise. Once in the backyard, Officer Schroeder observed the defendant looking at him, he then turned around and began walking westbound in the alleyway towards 6th Street SW. Schroeder advised the defendant to stop. The defendant stated that he had not done anything illegal and continued to walk away. As the defendant approached 6th Street SW, Schroeder observed the defendant throwing a black phone on the ground and continue walking.

Schroeder retrieved the phone, which was later determined to belong to Victim A and had been stolen from Victim A’s residence. Officer Hullopeter arrived in the area and observed the defendant walk across 6th Street SW. Hullopeter then saw the defendant throw an object against 701 9th Avenue SW, which to Hullopeter sounded like keys striking the brick wall. Hullopeter later returned to the area and located the item thrown by the defendant which was determined to be Victim A’s keys that had been stolen from Victim A’s residence.

Officer Hullopeter continued to follow the defendant and told him to stop. The defendant again stated that he did not do anything wrong and that he was not going to be detained. Officers Schroeder and Hullopeter then grabbed the defendant and placed him in handcuffs. The defendant continued to yell and pull away from officers. The defendant was eventually escorted to a squad car. Officer Schroeder attempted to read the defendant the Miranda warning, but the defendant continued to yell over the officer about not understanding his rights.

Schroeder stopped seeking a statement from the defendant. Officer Hoefs spoke with Victim A. Victim A advised the officer that he and the defendant have dated on and off for four years and that the relationship had been sexual. Victim A also advised that he and the defendant lived together two years ago. Victim A stated that they are not currently together and do not live together. Victim A stated that the defendant visits about once a month but does not have any personal property in his residence.

Victim A stated that a week prior, there was an incident where the defendant accidentally cut Victim A’s finger and it required multiple stitches. Victim A stated that after the incident, the defendant was taken away by law enforcement. Victim A said that since that incident, the defendant has texted him several times, but Victim A said he has not replied and they have not spoken. Victim A stated that at around noon on March 30, 2026, he heard the defendant yelling in his backyard. Victim A said the defendant was yelling something about Victim A wanting the defendant to kill himself.