Grand jury declines to charge Austin officer in May fatal shooting of wheelchair-bound man

March 6, 2026

A grand jury has declined to charge an Austin police officer in the fatal May shooting of Danny Lee Palomino, the district attorney's office announced. The victim, who used a wheelchair, died after an encounter with Officer Joshua Jackson earlier this year.

The grand jury decision means prosecutors will not pursue criminal charges against Jackson in connection with the death. The district attorney's office communicated the outcome to the public, signaling the end of the criminal review by a jury panel.

The shooting took place in Austin in May 2025, authorities say, and prompted attention from residents and local leaders. Palomino's status as a wheelchair user was noted in initial accounts of the incident, and that fact contributed to heightened public interest.

With the grand jury declining to indict, the criminal justice process does not move forward against the officer, though other reviews can continue. Civil remedies, internal police department inquiries, or policy reviews remain possible paths for those seeking further action or accountability.

Officials have not announced new criminal charges following the grand jury's decision, and the district attorney's office provided the formal notice of the outcome. Police department procedures for officer-involved shootings typically include administrative reviews, and the community will likely watch for any additional steps the department or city takes.

The case drew scrutiny because it involved a person with a disability and resulted in a death, elements that have prompted calls for clarity in other police-involved encounters. The grand jury's vote ends the immediate possibility of a criminal trial for the officer, leaving questions about transparency, oversight and any remaining investigations to be addressed through non-criminal channels.