Former Texas detective pleads guilty to killing ex-wife, his daughter, and her boyfriend

AUSTIN, Texas (TCD) -- A 42-year-old man pleaded guilty this week to killing his ex-wife, his adopted daughter, and her boyfriend after crashing into their car and shooting them in 2021.

The Travis County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday, Sept. 13, that Stephen Broderick entered the plea for capital murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He reportedly cannot appeal the decision due to stipulations in his plea agreement.

According to the Austin Police Department, on April 18, 2021, officers were called to Great Hills Trail and Rain Creek Parkway for reports of shots fired and an active shooter near the location. When police arrived, they reportedly found three victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds near two vehicles "that appeared to have been involved in a crash."

Fire Department and EMS personnel responded to the area, but all three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. They were identified as 35-year-old Amanda Broderick, 17-year-old Alyssa Broderick, and 18-year-old Willie Simmons III.

Police said Stephen and Amanda were meeting for a "scheduled visit with their son" when they got into a crash and Stephen opened fire. His son was reportedly present when the shooting occurred but was not harmed.

Broderick reportedly fled the scene and was apprehended the next morning, April 19, 2021, at about 7 a.m. by Travis County detectives. KXAN-TV reports Broderick had a loaded pistol on him when he was arrested.

Broderick reportedly worked as a detective for the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. Court records show he was arrested in June 2020 and charged with several counts of sexual assault of a child and assault of a family member impeding breathing/circulation. Those charges against him were dismissed when he pleaded guilty to murder.

MORE:

• Travis County District Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Verdict for Man Charged with Capital Murder of Multiple Persons - Travis County District Attorney's Office
• Triple Homicide at Great Hills Trail and Rain Creek Parkway, 4/18/2021 - Austin Police Department
• State of Texas vs. Stephen Nicholas Broderick
• Austin shooting: Former detective arrested, charged in triple murder after manhunt, 4/21/2021 - KXAN