Second Person Charged in Fatal Shooting of Deputy Fernando Esqueda
Houston – A second person, Dremone Eugene Francis, has been charged with capital murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Deputy Fernando Esqueda in Harris County. Court documents suggest that Francis may not have been the one who pulled the trigger, but his involvement in the incident has led to the charges against him.
Deputy Fernando Esqueda, 28, was patrolling a neighborhood in northeastern Harris County when the tragic incident occurred. The events unfolded after a man, identified as Ronnie Palmer, pistol-whipped a Little Caesars employee on Wallisville Road. Esqueda, who was undercover, followed Palmer as he drove to another location on Italian Cypress Trail.
Details of the Incident and Francis’ Involvement
New court documents reveal that Francis allegedly communicated with Palmer after the incident at Little Caesars. Francis admitted to authorities that they both noticed someone in a light-colored truck watching them. Palmer then proceeded to shoot at the truck Esqueda was driving, as per Francis’ statement.
After the shooting, Palmer entrusted the guns to Francis and instructed him to dispose of them before fleeing the scene. Francis complied and fled in a gray Ford Fusion. Law enforcement officers discovered spent shell casings from two different guns at the scene. It remains unclear whether Francis sold the guns or their whereabouts.
Legal Proceedings and Conclusion
Francis has been formally charged with murder and is currently held without bail. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events leading to Deputy Esqueda’s tragic death. The community mourns the loss of a dedicated law enforcement officer, and efforts are underway to bring justice to those involved in the heinous crime.
Overall, the case underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty and emphasizes the need for continued support and resources to ensure their safety. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies continue to work tirelessly to uphold justice and protect the community from such senseless acts of violence.
