Park Palmore, a 52-year-old Adkins, Texas, resident, was sentenced to two life sentences in state prison last week for shooting at and injuring a Kendall County Sheriff’s deputy in April 2020.
Palmore was charged with two first-degree felony offenses, including attempted capital murder of a peace officer and aggravated assault of a public servant. He entered an open plea with the court on Dec. 9, 2021, and the sentencing was brought to 451st District Court Judge Kirsten Cohoon.
According to a search warrant affidavit, the incident stemmed from a call to Comfort Inn & Suites on April 9, 2020, when a man reported Palmore had pushed him from behind before Palmore tapped on his driver’s side window with a knife, calling him names, and displayed a shotgun.
Surveillance footage from the hotel showed Palmore entering his hotel room after the altercation with the first victim and walking out with a shotgun, according to the search warrant affidavit. The video showed Palmore pointing the shotgun at the victim’s truck, who drove away without further incident. But later, Palmore was seen leaving his hotel room with an AR-15 assault rifle.
A statement from Kendall County Assistant Criminal District Attorney Nick Socias, who represented the state during Palmore’s sentencing, states Palmore led police on a chase through Boerne and onto Interstate 10. The chase ended on Interstate 10 with Palmore opening fire on Kendall County deputy Rollin Senger, hitting the deputy in the arm.
Palmore proceeded to point his shotgun at another law enforcement agent with the Boerne Police Department.
“On March 31, 2022, the State, represented by Special Victims Prosecutor Nick Socias, presented testimony from the Kendall County Probation Officer Mario Paredes, injured deputy Senger and Kendall County Sheriff Al Auxier,” the statement from the DA’s office reads. “Senger testified to what was going through his mind during the shootout with Palmore and the aftermath of living with this memory. Sheriff Auxier described his fears for the safety of the men and women in law enforcement and their courage to do their job every day. Sheriff Auxier also commented on the unfortunately necessary procedures in place when an officer loses his or her life in the line of duty.”
According to the statement, Palmore’s defense attorney presented evidence of Palmore’s childhood trauma, substance abuse, addiction problems and mental health issues, noting a desire to commit suicide by cop, but Socias argued adamantly against these claims.
“Socias argued that this was not a suicide by cop but a calculated effort in his attempt to flee, to murder at least one police officer, as he fired from cover, endangering the lives of everyone around him,” the statement reads. “Socias also argued that this was not a recent run-in with the law as his criminal record begins in 1988 and continues with multiple felony convictions and crimes of violence.”
In the end, Cohoon sentenced Palmore to the maximum punishment in both first-degree felony charges, sending Palmore to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for two life sentences. However, under state law, Palmore may be eligible for parole after serving 30 years, leaving him the chance to leave prison at age 82.
Along with the statement, the district attorney’s office released a video of Palmore firing his shotgun at law enforcement agents from his truck on the interstate.
“Watching this video is a reminder of the incredibly difficult task that we ask members of law enforcement to do for us each and every day,” Kendall County DA Nicole Bishop said. “When others run and take cover, these brave officers run toward danger. When someone kills or attempts to kill our peace officers, that person does not deserve a second chance at the expense of law-abiding citizens. This sentence was justice for Palmore’s actions and makes our community safer.”
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