On the morning of July 11, 2025, the quiet routine of a salon in Arlington, Texas was shattered by a devastating act of violence. The lives of two individuals—William Todd Austin and Tmone Michelle Williams—collided in a way that would leave a community mourning and families forever changed. The shocking murder-suicide that unfolded in a small suite inside the Salon & Spa Galleria became one of the most heartbreaking stories to emerge from the Dallas–Fort Worth area that summer.
The Victim: William Todd Austin
William Todd Austin, known by friends and colleagues simply as Todd, was a 37-year-old entrepreneur whose passion was helping others rebuild their financial futures. As the CEO of Credit Champs, he had built a name for himself as a credit repair specialist and financial educator. His business had grown into more than just a company; it was a platform for mentoring, teaching financial literacy, and giving people hope.
Austin’s charisma and dedication to his work had made him a respected figure not just in Arlington, but across Texas. He was also active on social media, sharing not only his business expertise but also glimpses into his personal life. To his clients, he was a lifeline. To his friends, he was a source of inspiration. To his children, he was a father whose presence shaped their world.
The Shooter: Tmone Michelle Williams
The other half of this tragedy was Tmone Michelle Williams, also 37. Williams and Austin shared a complicated history. She was more than just a former partner; she was the mother of one of his children. Those close to them described a relationship marked by both deep affection and tension. While the full nature of their struggles may never be fully understood, what is clear is that their connection ran deep and had significant emotional weight.
In the days leading up to the shooting, Williams’s emotional state became a point of speculation. Friends and social media observers noted posts that hinted at turmoil. While no official motive has been released, some have suggested that feelings of heartbreak, jealousy, or unresolved conflict may have played a role in what happened that morning.
The Day of the Incident
That Friday morning started like any other for the staff and clients at the Salon & Spa Galleria on South Cooper Street. Todd Austin had taken a seat in one of the private suites for a routine haircut. The atmosphere was quiet and ordinary until Williams entered the building. What happened next unfolded in mere moments but left a permanent mark.
Witnesses described a sudden eruption of gunfire. In a matter of seconds, Austin was struck multiple times as he sat in the barber’s chair. Panic spread through the building as employees and clients scrambled to safety. Williams then turned the weapon on herself. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but it was too late for Austin. Williams was transported to a hospital with critical injuries and later pronounced dead.
Community Shock and Grief
News of the murder-suicide spread rapidly, and the Arlington community was stunned. The idea that such violence could unfold in a public space during an ordinary morning was difficult to comprehend. For those who knew Austin personally, the loss was devastating. He was remembered as a man who gave so much of himself to others, not only through his business but through his willingness to mentor and support anyone striving to change their life…