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Former Travis County deputy pleads guilty in triple homicide

Stephen Broderick is accused of killing his ex-wife, his daughter and his daughter's boyfriend in April 2021.

AUSTIN, Texas — A former Travis County Sheriff's Office deputy accused of murdering three people last spring pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a triple homicide.

Prosecutors indicted Stephen Broderick on a capital murder charge in connection with the deaths of his ex-wife, his daughter and his daughter's boyfriend in April 2021. Court documents say the murders happened during a planned custody exchange at an apartment complex near the Arboretum.

The prosecution has agreed to waive the death penalty in exchange for a life in prison penalty. The judge said he is waiving his right to appeal and he will not be eligible for parole.

On the morning of April 18, 2021, police said Stephen Broderick shot and killed Amanda Broderick, Alyssa Broderick and Willie Simmons in northwest Austin. He remained missing until he was arrested the following morning after officials received two 911 calls about a man walking along US 290 in Manor. 

Officials said he was armed with a loaded pistol in his waistband.

Stephen Broderick has been held in the Travis County Jail without bail since his indictment because of previous violent charges, including a charge of sexual assault of a child in June 2020. Following that charge, Broderick resigned from the Travis County Sheriff's Office.

“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 José Garza said. “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.”

His hearing is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

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