Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced that the Hays County Grand Jury has completed its review of a shooting incident involving Hays County Sheriff’s deputies. The incident occurred on Jan. 5, 2024, resulting in the death of 35-year-old Kenny Lee Estrada. After considering the evidence, the Grand Jury concluded that the shooting was justified under Texas law and no indictment was issued.
The incident unfolded when deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hunter Creek Cove in Buda following multiple 911 calls reporting that Estrada, armed and attempting to forcefully enter a residence, was threatening the occupants. Upon arrival, deputies encountered Estrada, who was armed with two knives and aggressively approaching them. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapons, Estrada continued his advance. Two deputies fired their weapons, fatally striking Estrada.
The investigation into the shooting was conducted by the Texas Rangers with assistance from detectives from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. Evidence from in-car video, body-worn cameras, and surveillance footage from nearby residences supported the findings of the investigation.
Estrada had a history of arrests, including assaultive offenses, multiple DWIs, and drug charges. His former girlfriend, who had been a victim in one of his prior cases, reported that he could be violent when intoxicated.
District Attorney Higgins expressed gratitude to the Texas Rangers and the Sheriff’s Office for their thorough investigation. With the Grand Jury's decision, the matter is now considered closed.
