Trial Will Begin for Brendon Riggs in Waco Robbery
The legal proceedings against Riggs for a 2021 fatal shooting are scheduled to move forward this Tuesday.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Brendon Le Osha Riggs faces a first-degree felony charge of aggravated robbery as his trial commences on September 29, 2026, in Waco. The charges follow a 2021 incident that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Kaden Quinn Hitchcock.
Why it matters
The case marks a procedural shift after the original murder charge against Riggs was dismissed in 2022 due to pending DNA analysis. Prosecutors are now moving forward with the aggravated robbery charge following his 2024 re-indictment.
Brendon Le Osha Riggs faces a first-degree felony charge after being re-indicted in February 2024. His co-defendant, Jose A. Herrera, previously received a 10-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery.
The players
Brendon Le Osha Riggs
The defendant is a 25-year-old facing a first-degree felony charge of aggravated robbery.
Jose A. Herrera
A co-defendant who pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and received a 10-year prison sentence.
Kaden Quinn Hitchcock
The 21-year-old victim died following a shooting at his apartment in September 2021.
Barry Johnson
The former District Attorney who previously dismissed the murder charge against Riggs.
Kyle Eric Depolito
An individual who was no-billed by a grand jury for capital murder in connection to the incident.
The details
Court records indicate that Riggs and Herrera entered the victim's apartment on Wagon Wheel Circle to allegedly purchase and use drugs. The situation escalated when the victim accused the suspects of stealing a pistol, leading to a struggle over an AK-47 style rifle.
Timeline
January 2021: A grand jury no-billed Herrera and Depolito for capital murder.
September 2021: Kaden Quinn Hitchcock was shot and killed at his residence.
November 2022: The original murder charge against Riggs was dismissed.
February 2024: Riggs was re-indicted on an aggravated robbery charge.
September 29, 2026: Testimony is scheduled to begin in the trial.
Legal Context
This trial represents the latest development in a high-profile case originally shaped by the 2021 grand jury proceedings in McLennan County. The proceedings reflect shifting prosecutorial strategies following the dismissal of initial murder charges.
The commencement of the trial brings renewed attention to the 54 State District court proceedings in Waco. Residents may experience increased activity or restricted access around the courthouse during the scheduled testimony.
The takeaway
The prosecution's reliance on co-defendant testimony highlights the complexities of long-running cases involving multiple suspects. These proceedings underscore the critical role of plea agreements in securing convictions when physical evidence is subject to ongoing analysis.
Further reading
For more information on local legal proceedings, visit Criminal Justice.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kwtx.
