Ralph Allen Ablanedo, a 26-year-old white male police officer, was tragically killed on May 18, 1978, in Austin, Texas. Officer Ablanedo was conducting a routine traffic stop in the 900 block of East Live Oak Street when he was fatally shot. After ticketing the driver, Sheila Meinert, for driving without a license, Officer Ablanedo began to run a check on the male passenger, David Lee Powell. Powell, who had warrants for misdemeanor theft and hot checks, opened fire with a fully automatic AK-47 rifle, penetrating Officer Ablanedo's bulletproof vest. Despite his injuries, Officer Ablanedo managed to provide a description of the car before losing consciousness and succumbing to his wounds.
David Lee Powell, the suspect, fled the scene but was apprehended a few hours later at Travis High School after an extensive manhunt. Powell had also fired at a second officer and tossed a hand grenade, which failed to explode. Sheila Meinert, Powell's companion, surrendered to the authorities. Powell was eventually convicted of murder and sentenced to death in 1999. His execution was carried out on June 15, 2010, at 6:19 PM Central Time.
The case of Ralph Allen Ablanedo's murder involved multiple trials and appeals, including a rejection by the U.S. Supreme Court. Powell's execution was witnessed by about 150 current and former Austin police officers, who gathered to honor Officer Ablanedo's memory. The officers assembled as an honor guard for the slain officer's family, reflecting the deep impact of his loss on the community and his fellow officers.
