DA Seeks Death Penalty in Cop Killing
Police officer Jaime Padron's memorial motorcade. Brandon Daniel is accused of killing Padron, and may be looking at the death penalty. Photos courtesy Austin Police Department and by Jeff Heimsath/KUT News
Brandon Daniel may be facing the death penalty in the death of Austin police Officer Jaime Padron.
District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg’s office says it will seek the death penalty for Daniel, who was charged with capital murder in April of this year in the killing of Padron at an area Walmart.
Early in the morning of April 6, police responded to a call about a possibly intoxicated person at a Walmart on Parmer Lane and I-35. When Padron arrived, police say he made contact with the suspect and the man immediately began to fight with the officer. Police say the suspect then pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and shot the officer at point blank range in the neck.
Walmart employees were able to subdue Daniel until more officers arrived; the employees were subsequently recognized for their response.
A memorial for Padron was held later in April, before he was buried in San Angelo.
