Update: Brodrick Kennedy is currently in the Garland Detention Center charged with Capital Murder, and no bond has been set.
On the morning of Sept. 17 shortly after 8 a.m., Garland police officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at an apartment located in the 700 block of Broadway Commons. Upon arrival, officers observed that the front door of the residence had been forcibly opened.
Officers looked inside the apartment and observed two small children. As officers entered, gunfire erupted from behind a closed door in a back bedroom. Officers immediately took cover and began issuing commands. During this time, officers worked swiftly to ensure the children’s safety. While in the process of securing the children, a male suspect, later identified as 35-year-old Brodrick Earl Kennedy, exited the bedroom and surrendered to officers without further incident.
Upon entering the bedroom, officers found two adult women suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the women was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the other was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died because of her injuries.
During the investigation, it was determined that one of the victims was the wife of Brodrick, identified as 38-year-old Donillie Lashay Kennedy. The other victim was identified as 58-year-old Shirley Jean Phillips, the mother of Donillie. Detectives have notified the families of the victims and are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
The two children who were inside the apartment at the time of the shooting have been safely released to extended family members. The Garland Police Department is offering its full support to the grieving families during this difficult time.