Texas Judge Shot Outside Her Home

A Texas judge was shot outside of her Austin home Friday night, and an initial investigation appears to show she was targeted, KXAN reports. According to the Austin American-Statesman, Judge Julie Kocurek—the presiding felony judge for Travis County—had just arrived home with a number of other people when someone opened fire. A neighbor says she heard "four pops." KXAN reports Kocurek suffered injuries to the areas around her upper body, shoulder, and face. And NBC News describes her injuries as "extremely serious." However she was in stable condition as of Saturday morning and is expected to recover, according to the American-Statesman. Police have not identified any suspects, and a manhunt is currently underway, KXAN reports.

While it hasn't been confirmed, it's likely the shooting is connected to Kocurek's work as a judge, KXAN reports. According to the American-Statesman, the former prosecutor was recently involved in cases involving a convicted murderer suspected in a second killing 27 years ago and a woman arrested in connection with the kidnapping of her daughter in 2002. KXAN reports Kocurek recently signed warrants in the case of a former police officer accused of shooting and killing a pregnant woman in February. “It’s the most shocking news I have ever received,” a fellow judge tells the American-Statesman. “Judge Kocurek is a wonderful woman. It’s unfathomable to think that anyone would be angry with her." (More judge stories.)