Deputy Fernando Esqueda killed: Death penalty demanded for Dremone Francis, second suspect in Harris County deputy’s murder

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Harris County will seek the death penalty for the second suspect charged in the murder of Deputy Fernando Esqueda.

According to court documents, 26-year-old Dremone Francis is the neighbor of the first suspect, identified as 44-year-old Ronald “Ronnie” Palmer Jr.

Palmer is charged with capital crimes in connection with Esqueda’s death, as well as two counts of aggravated assault in connection with an incident earlier that night.

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Francis was also arrested in that case over the weekend and charged with felony assault and tampering with evidence. He is also being held without bail on the felony charge.

Investigators say Palmer shot Esqueda multiple times after he attacked an employee at a Little Caesars in northeast Harris County on July 10.

Eyewitness News learned that ammunition found in Francis’ home matched one of the weapons used in the shooting.

According to prosecutors, Francis admitted to helping Palmer get rid of the weapons.

RELATED: Prosecutors say second suspect in Harris County deputy sheriff’s murder case confessed to helping guns disappear

At Francis’ first court appearance Monday in 248th District Court, the judge declined to set bail in his capital crimes trial.

The public prosecutor has requested that he be kept in custody pending trial. A decision on this will be made after an evidentiary hearing in September.

During the court hearing on Wednesday, prosecutors said they were seeking the death penalty in this case.

Esqueda will be buried at 10 a.m. Friday at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

A visitation will be held Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 2405 Navigation Blvd.

SEE ALSO: Video shows suspect surrendering to deputy in NE Harris Co. neighborhood