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Thread: Death Penalty Pursued for Joshua Stewart and Fredarius Clark for 2022 TX Slaying of Deputy Darren Almendarez

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    Death Penalty Pursued for Joshua Stewart and Fredarius Clark for 2022 TX Slaying of Deputy Darren Almendarez






    Off-duty Texas deputy fatally shot after confronting suspects in grocery store parking lot


    Dareen Almendarez was a 23-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff's Office

    By Julie Musto
    Fox News

    A Texas deputy died Thursday night after being shot in a grocery store parking lot.

    Harris County Sheriff's Office Deputy Darren Almendarez was off duty when he exited an Aldine Westfield grocery store with his wife and saw two or three male suspects who appeared to be burglarizing a motor vehicle.

    "Possibly a catalytic converter that was being stolen," Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said at a news conference. "We're not sure. Those details are still being investigated. But, he intervened. He intervened to try to stop a crime."

    According to FOX 26, Almendarez saw what appeared to be theft happening to his own vehicle.

    The 51-year-old was then confronted by the suspects. He was able to grab a pistol, although there was a bit of a struggle.

    Almendarez was hit during an exchange of gunfire but was able to strike two people who later drove themselves to the hospital.

    "And, really a hero, because as all of this was unfolding he had the mindset to make sure he was protecting his wife. He told his wife to run, to get away from danger, as he put himself in harm's way to protect the rest of the community and to try to stop a crime," Gonzalez told reporters.

    He called the death tragic and called crime in the community "unacceptable," noting that there is possibly a third individual on the run.

    Almendarez, a 23-year veteran of the sheriff's office who was most recently assigned to the auto theft division, was also remembered as a "fighter."

    FOX 26 reported that the suspects went to HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest, where the deputy later died. Gonzalez said the suspects are in stable condition.

    The station noted that authorities currently don't have the identity of the third suspect.

    Almendarez's body will reportedly be taken to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

    "Deputy Darren Almendarez loved our community and worked hard every single day to make the world a better and safer place," the Houston Police Officers' Union wrote on Facebook early Friday. "His sacrifice will never be forgotten and he will always be remembered. Rest in peace, brother."

    https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-off...onverter-theft
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Third suspect arrested in shooting death of HCSO deputy Darren Almendarez, sheriff says

    Deputy Darren Almendarez died after he was wounded during a shootout with the men who were trying to steal a catalytic converter, authorities said

    By Jamie E. Galvan
    KHOU News

    HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — The third suspect who has been sought after in the shooting death of Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy Darren Almendarez has been arrested, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

    The suspect has been identified as 17-year-old Fredrick Tardy, the sheriff said. He has been charged with capital murder.

    Details of his arrest are unknown at this time. A mugshot of Tardy has not been released.

    Two other men, Joshua Stewart, 23, and Fredarius Clark, 19, have already been charged with capital murder in connection to this shooting.

    Investigators said Deputy Almendarez died after he was wounded during a shootout with the men who he confronted Thursday night.

    According to investigators, the incident happened just after 8:30 p.m. outside of the Joe V's grocery store in the 2900 block of FM `960 in north Harris County. Almendarez and his wife were shopping at the store.

    As the couple left the store, the deputy spotted a black, four-door, Nissan Altima backed up to his pickup truck and two men underneath the vehicle. Investigators said Deputy Almendarez told his wife to seek safety as he approached the vehicle.

    That is when the men opened fire on the deputy, the sheriff’s office said. Deputy Almendarez was able to return fire, wounding two of the men.

    The suspects sped off from the parking lot after being wounded, investigators said.

    Deputy Almendarez was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

    The sheriff’s office said Stewart and Clark arrived at the same hospital in the suspect vehicle a short time later. Both men had gunshot wounds and were still in the hospital Friday.

    https://www.khou.com/article/news/cr...1-d393983585d4
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Edited:

    Suspect makes first court appearance overnight in connection to Harris Co. deputy's death

    Joshua Stewart is one of three men charged for the shooting of Dept. Darren Almendarez

    By Anayeli Ruiz and Briahn Hawkins
    KHOU News

    HOUSTON — One of three suspects in the death of Harris County Deputy Darren Almendarez was in court overnight.

    Joshua Stewart, 23, has been charged with capital murder. He's the oldest of the three that've been arrested.

    Probable cause was found in Stewart's case.

    This court hearing was not a bail hearing, so the judge did not set bond for Stewart.

    According to the judge, he's expected to be in trial court on Monday. That's when his bond will be handled.

    https://www.khou.com/article/news/cr...b-6110f6914068



    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    DA may seek death penalty charges for suspects in death of deputy Darren Alméndarez

    By John Tedesco
    Houston Chronicle

    All three men suspected of killing off-duty Harris County sheriff’s deputy Darren Alméndarez are in custody and have been charged with capital murder, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced early Saturday.

    Frederick Tardy, 17, had been wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting of Alméndarez, a 23-year veteran of the sheriff’s office. Alméndarez was off-duty Thursday night when he confronted three men in the parking lot of a grocery store who appeared to be stealing the catalytic converter of his truck.

    The men opened fire, Gonzalez said, fatally wounding the deputy. Alméndarez was able to return fire and hit two men. Authorities say Joshua Stewart, 23, and Fredarius Clark, 19, were later arrested at a hospital. One was listed in stable condition; the other was listed in critical condition.

    Bail hasn’t been set for the defendants. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office filed motions Friday to deny bail for Stewart and Clark, pointing out that both men would likely face the death penalty if convicted. At an early morning court hearing Saturday,

    Stewart’s case was assigned to District Court Judge Robert Johnson, who will hear arguments regarding Stewart’s bail.

    Court records show Stewart was previously charged on Sept. 25, 2019, with unlawfully carrying a weapon. The misdemeanor charge was dismissed days later after a judge ruled there no probable cause to proceed with the case.

    Clark was convicted in November 2020 of a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespassing. He was also arrested and charged with illegally carrying a handgun with a 30-round clip at the same apartment complex where he had been arrested for trespassing. That case was later dismissed.

    Gonzalez called Alméndarez a hero and thanked the community for its outpouring of support.

    https://www.houstonchronicle.com/new...f-17053125.php
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    ‘Where are their parents?’: Brothers in blue support death penalty sought for suspects charged in murder of Deputy Almendarez

    By Nakia Cooper
    click2houston.com

    HOUSTON – Prosecutors are asking for the death penalty in the fatal shooting of a veteran Harris County deputy who was gunned down after interrupting three suspects who were allegedly trying to steal his catalytic converter.

    Joshua Stewart, 23; Fredarius Clark, 19; and Fredrick James Tardy, 17, were each charged with capital murder in the shooting death of Deputy Darren Almendarez.

    On Monday, a procession was held transporting Almendarez's body from the Medical Examiner’s Office to the Brookside Funeral Home in northeast Houston.

    On the same day, Stewart appeared before a judge in probable cause court. Clark was also due in court, but waived his right to appear before a judge. No bond was given for either suspect.

    Outside the Harris County courtroom, David Cuevas, president of the Harris County Deputy’s Organization, was asked about the alarming number of young adults and teens having access to firearms used to commit crimes.

    “Here’s the bigger question, where are their parents? Where is the responsibility?” Cuevas fired back. “People that follow the law know the proper way to obtain guns. It’s these criminals that have no home training. Do their parents even care about them? Because they are out of control themselves.”

    What happened


    Authorities say, on March 31 around 8:30 p.m., Almendarez, who was off duty, was out grocery shopping with his wife at the Joe V’s grocery store located at 2929 FM 1960 in north Harris County when he came upon the attempted theft in progress.

    As Almendarez approached the suspects, they began firing, striking the deputy. Despite being struck multiple times, Almendarez managed to fire back, shooting Stewart and Clark.

    Almendarez was rushed to Houston Northwest Hospital, but could not be saved. He was 51 years old.

    The injured suspects drove themselves to the same hospital, where they were taken into custody. Tardy was arrested on Saturday afternoon.

    Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Almendarez’s death is a tragic loss for the deputy’s family and law enforcement. He described the 23-year HCSO veteran as an outstanding deputy and person.

    Almendarez was one of 12 children, and his family said that he learned the value of hard work at a young age.

    An Austin High School graduate, Gonzalez said the deputy started as a detention officer, went to work for patrol, and has been in investigations. His latest and current assignment this past year was on the Auto Theft Task Force.

    According to records, in 2019, Stewart was charged with unlawful carry of a weapon but the case was dismissed. He was also charged with criminal trespassing.

    In 2020, Clark - the alleged getaway driver - was convicted of criminal trespassing and unlawful carrying of a weapon, which was also dismissed.

    Holding people accountable

    Seeking justice, Cuevas said they were hoping for no bond for his accused killers, and feels the system is failing those committed to protecting and serving.

    “We’ve seen it throughout the year, the tragic loss of law enforcement. Nationally, there have been 100 people shot, our brothers and sisters in blue. Harris County is the murder capitol of Texas and I think once the citizens realize that, they will start to understand that we need to start holding these public officials accountable because they’ve been pretty worthless for public safety.”

    “We have seen the out of control with these criminals, they have been empowered, they’ve been emboldened because we have a weak criminal justice system and we need our public officials to step up because they have been utterly a failure,” he added.

    Cuevas says the heavy presence of officers Monday shows their solidarity as they stand strong, making sure the thin blue line is being supported.

    “Personally, it’s hurtful anytime you lose a brother. I’ve known Darren for over 20 years, we went to the academy together, and to see him lay down his life because of these three criminals who didn’t give a damn about anybody but themselves,” Cuevas said. “They didn’t want to get a job. They just thought they could go and start stealing and get into a confrontation with our brother. I believe all three of them deserve the death penalty.”

    https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2022/04/04/where-are-their-parents-brothers-in-blue-support-death-penalty-sought-for-suspects-charged-in-murder-of-deputy-almendarez/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Judge to weigh bond for Deputy Darren Almendarez's accused killers

    The slain deputy's family will be in the courtroom Tuesday and are hopeful the three suspects remain locked up

    By Marcelino Benito
    KHOU News

    HOUSTON — On Tuesday, the three men accused of killing Deputy Darren Almendarez in March as he tried to stop them from stealing his catalytic converter will be back in court.

    A judge will weigh possible bonds for all three suspects, including a 17-year-old.

    Several of Almendarez's family members will be in the courtroom, including his 14-year-old daughter, Andrea. She wants to make sure her dad's accused killers stay behind bars.

    "He was my world and I was his world," Andrea said.

    Andrea misses her dad every single day.

    "He was the light at the end of my tunnel," Andrea said.

    That light extinguished on March 31 when Almendarez left Joe V's with his wife. He was killed in a shootout with three suspects who investigators said were trying to steal his catalytic converter.

    "I think he wouldn't want them to get away with it," Andrea said. "He'd want justice for himself."

    The road to justice travels through a Harris County courtroom. A hearing is scheduled for a judge to decide if Joshua Stewart and Fredarius Clark will remain held without bond.

    "We don't see these hearings often because it's a marshaling of all the state's evidence at the beginning of these proceedings," KHOU legal analyst Carmen Roe said.

    Roe said to secure a 'no bond' the state will need to prove the defendants will be ultimately found guilty and that the death penalty will be the likely punishment.

    "To show your hand this early is something that you have to believe is going to give you a tactical advantage that you need or in this case that it's warranted because we have to ensure these defendants don't go out on the street no matter what bond is set," said Roe.

    Since the third suspect, Fredrick Tardy, is 17 and not eligible for the death penalty, he'll receive a bond no matter what. But the family hopes it's high enough to keep him locked up.

    "I want her (the judge) to know he took away a father. He took away an uncle. A family member," Andrea said. "Someone who does something like that shouldn't get any reward for it."

    A search warrant obtained by KHOU 11 News shows the suspects used the same gun in another shooting during a catalytic converter theft just two weeks prior to Almendarez's death. It's proof, the slain deputy's family says, all three accused murderers are a threat to the public.

    "If they let him out on bond at any amount, they're just letting him out to do this again to somebody else. He's not going to stop," said Alice Almendarez, the deputy's niece.

    The hearing will include witness testimony and video evidence. A judge will rule on the bond by Wednesday.

    https://www.khou.com/article/news/cr...e-0ed3652ed6e7
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  7. #7
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    Adult suspects in Deputy Almendarez's death to be held without bond, 17-year-old suspect's fate to be determined Wednesday

    Joshua Stewart and Fredarius Clark will be held without bond while the fate of 17-year-old Fredrick Tardy will be decided on Wednesday

    By Marcelino Benito
    KHOU News

    HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — On Tuesday, the three men accused of killing Deputy Darren Almendarez in March as he tried to stop them from stealing his catalytic converter were back in court.

    A judge ruled that the two adults, Joshua Stewart and Fredarius Clark, charged in connection with the case will be held without bond and said the bond decision for 17-year-old Fredrick Tardy will be decided on Wednesday.

    The next hearing for Stewart and Clark will be in 90 days.

    Several of Almendarez's family members were in the courtroom when the judge made the decision.

    Prosecutors presented evidence to prove Stewart and Clark were a continued danger to society. That included surveillance video of Almendarez's murder.

    "We hadn't seen it before, it was rough to watch," said Steven Almendarez, the deputy's brother. "Now I know what happened. He went down fighting and I've seen that. He did his job all the way to his last breath. He took criminals off the street."

    The judge also heard witness testimony from a man allegedly shot at an apartment complex during another catalytic converter theft on March 17. Prosecutors said the gun used then is the same gun that killed Almendarez.

    "He was extremely crucial," prosecutor Michael Simons said. "He identified Joshua Stewart as the shooter in the shooting which took place two weeks prior to this capital murder. It showed a pattern of escalation.

    Almendarez's 14-year-old daughter Andrea was in the courtroom to see and hear the evidence, too. She wanted to make sure her father's killers weren't set free.
    "He was my world and I was his world," Andrea said.

    Andrea misses her dad every single day.

    "He was the light at the end of my tunnel," Andrea said.

    That light extinguished on March 31 when Almendarez left Joe V's with his wife. He was killed in a shootout with three suspects who investigators said were trying to steal his catalytic converter.

    "I think he wouldn't want them to get away with it," Andrea said. "He'd want justice for himself."

    KHOU legal analyst Carmen Roe said to secure a no bond the state needed to prove the defendants will be ultimately found guilty and that the death penalty will be the likely punishment.

    "We don't see these hearings often because it's a marshaling of all the state's evidence at the beginning of these proceedings," Roe said. "To show your hand this early is something that you have to believe is going to give you a tactical advantage that you need or in this case that it's warranted because we have to ensure these defendants don't go out on the street no matter what bond is set."

    Since Tardy is 17 and not eligible for the death penalty, he'll receive a bond no matter what. But the Almendarez family hopes it's high enough to keep him locked up.

    "I want her (the judge) to know he took away a father. He took away an uncle. A family member," Andrea said. "Someone who does something like that shouldn't get any reward for it."

    A search warrant obtained by KHOU 11 News shows the suspects used the same gun in another shooting during a catalytic converter theft just two weeks prior to Almendarez's death. It's proof, the slain deputy's family says, all three accused murderers are a threat to the public.

    "If they let him out on bond at any amount, they're just letting him out to do this again to somebody else. He's not going to stop," said Alice Almendarez, the deputy's niece.

    https://www.khou.com/article/news/cr...4-f6e93de94639
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Edited:

    17-year-old suspect in Harris County deputy's death gets bond

    By Carolina Sanchez
    Fox 26 News

    HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - The 17-year-old suspect in a Harris County deputy's death had his bond set Wednesday morning.

    Fredrick Tardy, who is charged with capital murder in the death of Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Darren Almendarez, received a $750,000 bond.

    According to court documents, Tardy is accused of cutting his hair to modify his appearance less than 20 hours after the murder of Deputy Almendarez.

    Tardy was eventually arrested in a car "containing two firearms and tools associated with catalytic converter theft."

    His next court appearance is set for mid-August.

    https://www.fox26houston.com/news/17...eath-gets-bond
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  9. #9
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    Catalytic converter theft ring connected to Texas deputy’s death off duty

    Five people were arrested with ties to the three men charged in Deputy Darren Almendarez’s death

    By Amanda Spence

    PEARLAND, Texas — The off-duty death of Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Darren Almendarez has been connected to a catalytic converter theft ring, federal investigators say.

    During a large-scale, multi-agency investigation, five people were arrested who were fencing stolen property for the three men charged in Deputy Almendarez’s death, reports KHOU 11.

    Deputy Almendarez lost his life in March when he attempted to stop people from stealing the catalytic converter from his personal vehicle. Three individuals are being charged with capital murder for his death. Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty for two of the men, Fredarious Clark and Joshua Stewart, but not the third, Frederick Tardy, who is 17.

    “One of our own was lost due to this type of crime. That's when it's heartfelt and you want to do more to try to get these people,” HCSO Deputy Thomas Gilliland said.

    Law enforcement seized 1,450 catalytic converters and around $840,000 from the properties that were raided.

    Neighbors in the area say the homes that were raided belong to two families with children. One neighbor mentioned he’d witnessed box trucks carrying metal products in the driveway around once a month.

    https://www.police1.com/investigatio...TDqjlnoXmDwgb/
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