Harris County Deputy Esqueda killed: Capital murder charges filed against second suspect
HOUSTON - A second arrest has been made in connection with the shooting death of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda.
Dremone Francis, 26, was charged with capital murder and tampering/fabricating physical evidence on Sunday.
Dremone Francis (Photo: Houston Police Department)
He waived his right to appear at his probable cause court hearing overnight, where he was denied bond for the capital murder charge. Bond was set at $500,000 for the other charge.
The arrest comes after 44-year-old Ronald "Ronnie" Palmer was apprehended on Thursday evening at a home in the 12300 block of Ghita Lane. Palmer has been charged with capital murder and two counts of aggravated assault. The bond for the aggravated assault charges is set at $50,000 each, while no bond has been set for the capital murder charge.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda shot, killed
Deputy Esqueda, a five-year veteran of the sheriff's office and a member of the Violent Person Task Force, was killed in an apparent ambush on Wednesday night. The incident began when deputies responded to an assault at a Little Caesars Pizza on Wallisville Road. Palmer, reportedly upset over an incorrect pizza order, allegedly pistol-whipped an employee before fleeing the scene.
CAPTURED: Man arrested in shooting death of deputy
Authorities tracked the suspect's vehicle using the flock camera system, leading detectives to the 13200 block of Italian Cypress Trail, where Deputy Esqueda was ambushed and fatally shot.
According to allegations read in probable cause court, a witness, and by his own admission, put Francis at the scene of the deadly shooting.
A witness reportedly said he heard what sounded like two different guns. Officials say 41 spent casings from two different types of guns were found at the scene.
It was revealed in court that Francis allegedly admitted that right after the shooting, Palmer gave him a pistol and a mini Draco firearm and told him to get rid of them.
A witness reportedly said that Francis dropped off the pistol and the Draco in black trash bag and told the witness they were hot and to get rid of them.
Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda (Photo: HCSO)
"We pray with Deputy Esqueda's family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Deputy Esqueda’s commitment to duty and his sacrifice will always be remembered," Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said, expressing his condolences.
The investigation continues as the community mourns the loss of Deputy Esqueda.