Stephen Broderick: Texas sheriff's deputy who killed ex-wife, teen stepdaughter and her BF gets life
AUSTIN, TEXAS: Stephen Broderick, a former Texas sheriff in Texas, was sentenced to life in prison for killing his ex-wife Amanda Broderick, 35, his stepdaughter Alyssa Broderick, 17, and his stepdaughter's boyfriend Willie Simmons III, 18. Because he had previously confessed, the ex-police officer was automatically convicted of murder at a hearing Tuesday, Sept 13. Prosecutors waived a possible death penalty in exchange for the guilty plea.
The murder occurred in April 2021, when the ex-deputy was on a custody visit with his son. Broderick, 41, first rammed his vehicle into his ex-wife's Austin home and then shot all three victims. It was reported that there was a domestic dispute before Broderick eventually killed them. Police and the SWAT team arrived at the scene, but Broderick had fled before they arrived. He had his son with him, whom he spared.
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The ex-deputy was free on bond when he carried out this heinous crime, in relation to the sexual assault of a child last year against him. Due to this, he was kicked off work and had to wear a GPS tracking device. However, he was asked to remove the device five months after the release.
A major operation carried out by Austin authorities to capture Broderick was ordered, and shortly he was taken in from just outside of Austin after many people raised flags over a man similar to the suspect's description.
Prosecutors have ruled out the death penalty in exchange for the guilty plea during the trial. Further, the sexual assault charge was dropped too in exchange for Broderick’s plea deal. Amanda Broderick’s family expressed their disappointment and said ‘the ruling failed to bring justice to Alyssa.’
Judge Sage while announcing the sentence shared sympathy and anger with the victim’s family, "I wish I could bring you justice. But the truth is, the loss you're suffering, there's nothing I can do to make that loss go away. It's the best we can do in the system we have, and it's never enough. My heart goes out to you. Three beautiful, wonderful people — I see their lives shine on through all of you. I hope that at some point you can find some peace."