Second Suspect Arrested in Ambush Killing of Texas Deputy

A second suspect, Dremone Francis, 26, has been arrested in connection with the ambush killing of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda last week, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

A second suspect has been arrested in Texas in connection with the ambush killing of a Houston-area deputy last week, according to officials.

Dremone Francis, 26, was charged with capital murder in the death of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda and has been booked in the Harris County Jail, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez wrote on social media.

Second Suspect Arrested in Ambush Killing of Texas Deputy

Francis' arrest comes after Ronald "Ronnie" Palmer Jr., 44, was arrested and charged Thursday with capital murder. Palmer is accused of verbally assaulting and pistol whipping a Little Caesars employee after an order he was set to pick up was incorrect. He then fled the restaurant and law enforcement agencies began searching for him following a vehicle description from the employee.

Esqueda, who was involved in the search, believed he found the car in question and contacted another detective to let them know. He was ambushed while on the phone, according to Harris County authorities.

Second Suspect Arrested in Ambush Killing of Texas Deputy

Esqueda, 28, was shot and killed Wednesday night in the line of duty while pursuing a man accused of pistol whipping an employee at the Little Caesars restaurant on Wallisville Road in Houston.

"Our hearts are heavy. He was an amazing young man taken far too soon. He loved being a cop, and he leaves behind a tremendous void," Gonzalez said Thursday during a press conference.

Second Suspect Arrested in Ambush Killing of Texas Deputy

Backup arrived at the location on Italian Cypress Trail at about 1 a.m. to find Esqueda shot multiple times and his vehicle riddled with bullet holes. Deputies used a patrol vehicle to rush Esqueda, who was in critical condition, to the hospital, where he died.

A formal procession will take place on Monday to escort Esqueda's body to a funeral home.

Second Suspect Arrested in Ambush Killing of Texas Deputy

The motive for the attack is still under investigation. Palmer has a lengthy criminal history, including previous arrests for domestic violence, assault, and robbery.

Esqueda was a six-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff's Office and is survived by his wife and three children.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Esqueda's family. The page has raised over $200,000 as of Saturday afternoon.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement expressing his condolences to Esqueda's family and the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

"The ambush killing of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda is a tragic reminder of the dangers that our law enforcement officers face every day," Abbott said. "We will not rest until we bring all those responsible to justice."

The investigation into Esqueda's death is ongoing. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office.