HOUSTON — The first man charged with capital murder in the shooting death of Harris County deputy Fernando Esqueda will stay in jail until his next hearing in September.
A Houston judge denied bond for Ronnie Palmer, 44, during a hearing on Monday morning.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said they may ask for the death penalty.
"When a cop is killed in Houston, the death penalty is on the table every time. That’s Texas law," District Attorney Kim Ogg said. "It does hurt our community the most when a first responder is taken out in the line of duty. It’s a big loss."
Esqueda, 28, was ambushed and gunned down while responding to the assault of a pizza shop worker who was pistol-whipped by an angry customer.
Prosecutors said 41 shell casings were found at the scene in northeast Harris County from two different types of guns, including a Draco AK-47-style rifle.
"That's what we are seeing in this case, a super deadly weapon, a secondary deadly weapon and a dead cop, all because somebody didn't get their pizza to look like the picture," Ogg said.
Over 30 of Esqueda family members and fellow law enforcement officers packed the courtroom and hallway during the hearing.
"The family has been very thankful for the support. They encourage it," Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. "In fact, the funeral services will be made public."
Second suspect in death's killing arrested
A second suspect, 26-year-old Dremone Francis, was arrested on Sunday and charged with capital murder and tampering with evidence.
"Defendant [Francis] also admitted that immediately after the murder of deputy Esqueda, co-defendant Palmer gave him a pistol and a mini Draco firearm and told him to get rid of them," the prosecutor said during a hearing. "A witness stated the defendant dropped off a pistol and a Draco in a black trash bag and told them the guns were hot."
It's unclear whether Francis also shot Esqueda.
Deputy shot while searching for aggravated assault suspect
According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Palmer attacked an employee on July 10 at a Little Caesars Pizza on Wallisville Road because he was angry about his order.
The victim was able to identify the attacker's vehicle by make, model, and license plate.
A detective put the license plate into the “FLOCK” camera system and saw that the suspect vehicle had a history of hits in the system in a specific location, the sheriff said. Deputies went to that location but did not find the car.
Gonzalez said Esqueda later went back to the location early Thursday and reported that he found the suspect’s vehicle but not the attacker, the sheriff said. Esqueda was ambushed as he was calling in the vehicle.
Other detectives rushed to the location on Italian Cypress Trail and found Esqueda's undercover vehicle riddled with bullet holes, the sheriff said. The deputy had been shot multiple times and died at the hospital.
A citywide manhunt for his killer began immediately. Gonzalez said they had a good idea of who the gunman was and SWAT teams were stationed at two locations.
Palmer's photo was released as a person of interest and he was arrested on Thursday night.
Deputy Fernando Esqueda
A procession was held Monday morning for Esqueda, a five-year veteran of HCSO. He was also a member of HCSO's Violent Person Task Force which hunts down child rapists, homicide suspects and other violent offenders.
“He was dedicated to protecting and serving the residents of Harris County," Sheriff Gonzalez said. "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."
Esqueda and hundreds of other law enforcement officers were working overtime to help keep the city safe after Hurricane Beryl left millions without power.
The sheriff shared funeral details for Esqueda on Sunday. Esqueda will be laid to rest Friday at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart at 10 a.m.