An 83-year-old man involved in the legal proceedings following a shooting at Pasadena Memorial High School has passed away, as confirmed by the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Dennis Brandl, who became the subject of police custody after the incident, succumbed to internal bleeding on Sunday at Ben Taub Hospital, as detailed by KHOU 11. Brandl was previously detained on a $300,000 bond and was admitted to the hospital for medical treatment last Friday.
His death, which occurred the day after he was transferred to the care of medical providers, raises concerns about his declining health and the conditions within the jail that may have contributed to his physical condition. Randall Kallinen, the attorney representing Brandl's family, noted that he had not experienced gastrointestinal issues prior to his time in custody. "He had no gastrointestinal injuries or issues before this, and then to be internally bleeding in several spots, that's definitely something to be looked into," Kallinen told KHOU 11. The attorney has called for an outside investigation by entities such as the Texas Rangers, FBI, or the Department of Justice.
Brandl was facing charges for shooting and injuring a spectator named Dwight Benjamin during a band competition at Pasadena Memorial High School on February 1. Witnesses reported that Brandl was tackled by a group of parents, described as 'band dads', who detained him until the authorities arrived.
The case against the octogenarian was dismissed prior to his death, with CW39 Houston noting the Harris County District Attorney's Office requested to drop the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. Brandl's mental state at the time of the shooting has been a topic of scrutiny, with initial reports suggesting confusion and disorientation possibly affecting his actions. Paul Doyle, an attorney who previously represented Brandl, suggested his client believed he and his wife were being pursued, adding to his panicked response at the school site. Ben Taub Hospital became his final place of care, where multiple surgeries were unable to stop the internal bleeding.
The investigation now focuses on the care Brandl received while in custody and the circumstances leading to his death. The shooting victim, Mr. Benjamin, is expected to recover. Investigations into Brandl's death are ongoing, and Kallinen has scheduled a press conference to discuss the case and the need for a thorough and unbiased investigation into the events surrounding his death in a hospital.
