AUSTIN, Texas — A grand jury in Hays County has cleared two deputies in a January shooting that resulted in a man's death in Buda.
According to the Hays County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), just before 8 a.m. on Jan. 5, the agency received a 911 call about a disturbance in the 100 block of Hunter Creek Cove in Buda.
The caller said a man was attempting to kick in the front door of a residence. As deputies headed to the scene, the caller said the man trying to kick in the door was the ex-boyfriend of a woman who lived there. The caller said the suspect was armed with two knives.
Deputies arrived on the scene and located 35-year-old Kenny Lee Estrada brandishing a knife in each hand. The HCSO said deputies gave Estrada several commands to drop the knives, but he didn't comply.
Two of the three responding deputies then shot Estrada, who died at the scene.
The Texas Rangers were the primary investigators, with assistance from the HCSO.
Estrada had a lengthy arrest record that included assaults and multiple DWIs and drug charges, according to the sheriff's office. The former girlfriend, who had been the victim in at least one of Estrada's previous incidents, said that Estrada would sometimes become violent when he was intoxicated.
The grand jury concluded on Thursday, April 4, that the deputies were justified under Texas law in shooting Estrada.
“The Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office presented the results of the investigation to the Grand Jury. After hearing the evidence, the Grand Jury determined that the conduct of the officers was justified under the law and voted not to indict,” Hays County DA Kelly Higgins said. “This matter is now closed.”