A second suspect, Dremone Francis, 26, has been arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the killing of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda. Francis' arrest comes days after the arrest of Ronald "Ronnie" Palmer Jr., 44, who was also charged with capital murder.
A second suspect, identified as Dremone Francis, 26, has been arrested in Texas in connection with the ambush killing of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda, according to officials.
Francis' arrest comes after the initial arrest of Ronald "Ronnie" Palmer Jr., 44, who was charged with capital murder in Esqueda's death.
Second Suspect Arrested in Ambush Killing of Houston Deputy
Esqueda, 28, was shot and killed in the line of duty on Wednesday night while pursuing a man accused of pistol whipping an employee at a Little Caesars restaurant in Houston.
Palmer is accused of verbally assaulting and pistol whipping the employee after an order he was set to pick up was incorrect. He then fled the restaurant, prompting a search by law enforcement agencies.
Second Suspect Arrested in Ambush Killing of Houston Deputy
Esqueda, who was involved in the search, believed he had located the car in question and contacted another detective to inform them. However, he was ambushed while on the phone, according to Harris County authorities.
Backup arrived at the location on Italian Cypress Trail at around 1 a.m. to find Esqueda shot multiple times and his vehicle riddled with bullet holes.
Second Suspect Arrested in Ambush Killing of Houston Deputy
Deputies used a patrol vehicle to rush Esqueda, who was in critical condition, to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez expressed his condolences, saying, "Our hearts are heavy. He was an amazing young man taken far too soon. He loved being a cop, and he leaves behind a tremendous void."
Second Suspect Arrested in Ambush Killing of Houston Deputy
A formal procession will take place on Monday to escort Esqueda's body to a funeral home.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released any details regarding Francis' alleged involvement.
The arrest of a second suspect in the case brings a glimmer of hope for justice for Esqueda's family and colleagues. However, the tragic loss of a dedicated law enforcement officer serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers they face in the line of duty.
