The investigation into the assault and subsequent hospitalization of University of Mississippi senior Carson Otter is “making progress,” police said. Jermaine Kilgore, a public information officer for the Austin Police Department, said witnesses have come forward and are working with police.

Based on witness accounts, investigators were able to confirm the initial argument that led to Otter’s attack was not related to the football game later that day, police said.

Otter was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries following an assault near the intersection of Trinity and Seventh streets on Sept. 14.

Veneza Bremner, public information specialist for APD, said Otter was attacked by an unidentified assailant at 2:08 a.m., following an argument. Otter was punched in the face and sustained major head trauma upon hitting the ground. Otter’s parents told KVUE that their son was wearing an orange shirt on the night of the attack.

The assailant returned to his vehicle and fled the scene. The assailant was a passenger in a silver or white
four-door sedan.

Otter is being treated for brain trauma at the University Medical Center Brackenridge in Austin, where his condition continues to improve.