The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that the 83-year-old man accused of opening fire during a Pasadena Memorial High School event died of natural causes while in custody.
Earlier this week, the family of Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr., alongside civil rights attorney Randall Kallinen, called for an independent investigation into his death, raising concerns about his medical treatment while detained.
Authorities initially reported that Brandl suffered a medical emergency while in custody. He was transported to Ben Taub Hospital on March 1 due to internal bleeding from multiple sites in his small intestine. Despite receiving medical attention, he passed away the following day.
Brandl’s family expressed skepticism about his cause of death, stating that he had no known gastrointestinal issues before his hospitalization. They questioned whether he may have been assaulted while at the Harris County Jail.
Shooting Incident at Pasadena Memorial High School
Brandl was taken into custody after allegedly opening fire with a small-caliber handgun during a Texas Color Guard Circuit percussion competition at Pasadena Memorial High School. The shooting injured a man identified as Dwight Benjamin, who was struck in the shoulder and later transported to the hospital in stable condition.
An off-duty Houston Police Department officer at the event tackled Brandl, with assistance from other attendees, before authorities took him into custody. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office charged Brandl with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Brandl had been awaiting a mental evaluation after being deemed a potential risk to others. His bond was set at $80,000, with conditions including no contact with the victim and restrictions on firearms, drugs, and alcohol.
Authorities stated that Brandl claimed he was being chased and feared for his and his wife’s safety, which led him to the school. However, officials have not found evidence to support these claims, and it remains unclear whether Brandl was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time.
Pasadena Independent School District confirmed that Brandl had no ties to the competition and has since increased security measures while offering crisis counseling to students and staff.
