Former Sheriff's Deputy Wanted for Fatally Shooting Three in Austin Apartment Complex | Police Asks Public to Be Vigilant

In a shocking incident, a former sheriff's deputy is suspected of fatally shooting three people in Austin on April 18, 2021. According to New York Times, the man identified as Stephen Nicholas Broderick killed two women and a man in the shooting that took place in an apartment complex called Arboretum Oaks. Two of the victims were identified as Alyssa Broderick and Willie Simmons III.

The incident came to light after the authorities at the Austin Police Department were alerted about a shooting or stabbing in northwest Austin shortly after noon. On arriving at the scene, they found the bodies of the three victims. They were pronounced dead at the crime scene.

Joseph Chacon, the interim chief of the Austin Police Department, stated that it was his "understanding" that the gunman was employed as the sheriff's deputy in Travis County until June 2020. As per records, the 41-year-old man resigned after he was arrested and charged with the sexual assault of a child. As per court records, soon after the arrest of Broderick, his wife filed for divorce and a protective order.

Commenting on the devastating news, Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez stated, "I’m shocked and saddened by this horrific news." She also added that she was ready to help the victim's families and also assist in the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, Chief Chacon stated that the gunman is likely to have known the victims. “Our preliminary investigation indicates that he did know the victims and that it was certainly targeted to them,” he said. He added, "However, I would say that the danger still remains high at this point, and we want to make sure that people understand that part.”

Though the cops removed the shelter-in-place order for the residents and businesses in the area, Chief Chacon asked the public to be on their toes. He asked them to look out for the gunman, who was last seen dressed in a  gray hooded sweatshirt, sunglasses, and a baseball cap.

“If you see him, he is considered armed and dangerous at this point. We still do not have this scene completely under control. Obviously, this is a tragedy. We have people who have lost their lives out here," said the Chief.

He added, "We are going to continue to look for this individual because he continues to pose a threat to this community."

The incident has shocked the community. The Elgin Independent School District reminisced the two identified victims. Speaking of Alyssa Broderick, Elgin ISD Superintendent Dr. Jodi Duron stated, "She was an excellent student and athlete, enrolled in our Early College High School program and played on our girls’ basketball team," according to KXAN.

“He was an exceptional young man and leader among his peers,” said Duron, remembering Simmons III.

The investigation is ongoing and the motive of the attack is still unclear. 

References: 

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/us/austin-texas-shooting.html

https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/elgin-isd-one-current-student-and-one-former-student-killed-in-sunday-shooting-in-northwest-austin/

Cover Image Source: Youtube KENS 5 Video Screenshot