A Harris County deputy was killed trying to stop a crime. Now, the case is heading to trial after delays

KHOU, By Julissa Garza, March 30, 2026

A long-awaited trial begins for a man accused of killing a Harris County deputy during a catalytic converter theft, with life in prison at stake.

HOUSTON — The trial for one of the men accused in the killing of Harris County Deputy Darren Almendarez is set to begin Monday, marking a major step in a case that has drawn attention since 2022.

Joshua Stewart, one of three men charged in connection to the deputy’s death, is facing a capital murder charge. Prosecutors have said they will not seek the death penalty. If convicted, Stewart would face life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Stewart is accused alongside Fredarius Clark and Fredrick Tardy in the fatal shooting.

Investigators say Almendarez was off-duty and shopping with his wife when he confronted the men, who were allegedly trying to steal a catalytic converter from his truck. The incident happened in a grocery store parking lot near FM 1960 and Aldine Westfield.

Prosecutors allege Stewart shot and killed the deputy during that confrontation.

Earlier this year, Stewart’s defense team argued that he should be deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial. That effort was unsuccessful, allowing the case to move forward to trial.

The case heads to court more than two years after the deputy was killed. A conviction would still carry one of the most serious penalties under Texas law, even without the death penalty.

This is a developing story as the trial gets underway.

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