Steve Almendarez on late brother: 'Everybody who met him loved him'

Just before off-duty Harris County Sheriff's deputy Darren Almendarez was fatally shot while attempting to stop a catalytic converter theft in progress on the night of March 31, he and his wife were grocery shopping for a cookout he had planned for his sister's birthday. The cookout occurred on Sunday (April 3), but it was more of a remembrance of a man whose loved ones recalled was all about love, per a report from Houston CBS affiliate KHOU. 

Almendarez died at the age of 51. A 23-year law enforcement veteran, the station reported, he served as an auto theft investigator for the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) at the time of his death.

One of a dozen children, the late deputy was remembered for having a heart of gold, KHOU reported.

His teen daughter said he was "a very caring person," recalling their numerous daddy-daughter dates. Brother Steve shared his niece's sentiments.

"Everybody who met him loved him," he told the station. “We’re devastated. I don’t know how we’re going to do it."

One of Darren's sisters remembered him for his work ethic.

She told KHOU that he once worked at a fast food restaurant.

"He said he did whatever he had to do to survive,” Margarita said, according to the station.

A niece remembered how Darren was there for her when her own father died, further emphasizing her uncle's caring nature.

KHOU reported that the gathering was originally intended to celebrate sister Shirley's birthday.

The three suspects involved in the shooting have been arrested. Authorities charged Joshua Stewart, Fredarius Clark and Fredrick Tardy with capital murder, according to KHOU.

The station reported that the prosecutors will seek the death penalty.

Meanwhile, HCSO led a procession for the fallen deputy from the medical examiner's office on Old Spanish Trail to Brookside Funeral Home at 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported.

Funeral services are reportedly pending.