A local court issued a life sentence on Tuesday to Stephen Broderick, the ex-Travis County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) deputy who fatally shot his ex-wife, his ex-wife’s boyfriend and his adopted teenaged daughter last year, Austin-based media outlets reported.
Per Austin ABC affiliate KVUE, Broderick had entered a guilty plea for triple homicide.
“We are grateful for our committed prosecutors who worked tirelessly to hold Mr. Broderick accountable and ensured that he will spend the rest of his life in prison and cause no more harm to our community,” Travis County District Attorney (DA) José Garza said, KVUE reported. “My heart continues to break for the victims of this senseless act of violence and their families. We hope this outcome brings closure and peace to the victims’ families.”
Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported that prior to murdering Amanda and Alyssa Broderick and Willie Simmons III, the ex-peace officer was in legal trouble for alleged sexual assault of a child in 2020.
The charge prompted Stephen Broderick to resign from the sheriff’s office and was a factor in Amanda Broderick requesting sole custody of Alyssa and their 9-year-old son during divorce proceedings, according to KXAN.
The Austin Police Department (APD) said that Stephen Broderick committed the murders at the time he and his former spouse were to engage in a scheduled custody exchange in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Great Hills Trail, Austin CBS affiliate KEYE reported.
KXAN reported that Stephen Broderick subsequently evaded apprehension until Manor police officers arrested him the following morning.
According to KEYE, the DA’s office said that Stephen Broderick will be ineligible for parole and had waived his right to any future appeal as a part of his plea much to the disappointment of his victim’s surviving relatives, who feel he may never be brought to justice for sexual assault.