Prosecutors to seek death in Texas officer killing


November 20, 2012 at 3:45p.m.

Prosecutors to seek death in Texas officer killing

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for a man charged in the fatal shooting of an Austin police officer.

Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg said today that she would pursue the death penalty against Brandon Montgomery Daniel. Daniel is charged with capital murder in the April 6 shooting death of Senior Officer Jaime Padron.

Authorities say the 40-year-old Padron responded to reports of a disturbance involving a drunk man at a Walmart around 2:30 a.m. The suspect tried to run and the officer, a former Marine, chased him. Authorities say that in the ensuing tussle, the suspect produced a semi-automatic pistol and shot Padron.

Thousands of people attended a memorial service for Padron in Austin.