The 83-year-old Man Accused of Shooting Someone at Pasadena Memorial High School Dies from Natural Causes
Lucio Vasquez / Houston Public Media
The Harris County Jail in downtown Houston. Taken on Dec. 19, 2023.
The 83-year-old Man’s Death
Dennis Brandl Jr., an 83-year-old Houston-area man, died from natural causes, according to the county medical examiner. Brandl was accused of shooting someone last month at Pasadena Memorial High School. He died shortly after being released from the Harris County Jail last week.
Charges Dismissed and Cause of Death
Brandl was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after the Feb. 1 incident at a high school band competition south of Houston, where he was accused of injuring an Angleton ISD employee by pulling out a small-caliber handgun and shooting the man. County court records show the charge against Brandl was dismissed Saturday – hours before he died at a Houston hospital – with Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare writing in a Saturday afternoon court filing that Brandl suffered a medical emergency, was being released to healthcare providers and could have the charges against him re-filed at a later date.
Investigation and Controversy
Brandl died shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday, according to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, which determined his primary cause of death was a gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to erosion of the gastroduodenal artery and a duodendal ulcer.
On Tuesday, before Brandl’s cause of death was released, a Houston attorney representing his family said they had questions about Brandl’s treatment in the jail and whether a potential injury there could have contributed to his death. The attorney, Randall Kallinen, also criticized the fact that Brandl’s death was not being considered an in-custody death by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, which operates the jail and released Brandl shortly before he died at a hospital.
Recent Incidents at the Harris County Jail
At least four other people charged with crimes in Harris County have died this year at the jail or at a private, out-of-state facility contracted by the sheriff’s office. The downtown jail failed two state safety inspections in recent months related to an inmate death and an instance in which a loaded gun was brought into the jail in a wheelchair that was not searched.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Brandl’s death highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the treatment of inmates at the Harris County Jail. As the investigation into his death continues, it is essential to ensure that the facts are presented and that justice is served for all parties involved.
FAQs
Q: What was Dennis Brandl Jr. accused of?
A: He was accused of shooting someone last month at Pasadena Memorial High School.
Q: What was Brandl’s charge?
A: He was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Q: Why was Brandl’s charge dismissed?
A: His charge was dismissed due to a medical emergency, and he was released to healthcare providers. The charges against him could be re-filed at a later date.
Q: What is the cause of Brandl’s death?
A: He died from a gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to erosion of the gastroduodenal artery and a duodendal ulcer.
Q: Is the Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigating Brandl’s death?
A: The sheriff’s office is aware of no evidence to indicate that Brandl suffered any injuries after being booked into the jail.
