SAN ANTONIO – Nearly eight years after the ambush-style killing of a veteran police officer outside San Antonio Police Headquarters, the man convicted of pulling the trigger is back in a Bexar County courtroom, this time seeking to overturn his death sentence.
Otis McKane, sentenced to death in 2021 for the killing of Detective Benjamin Marconi, appeared before a judge Thursday as part of his formal appeal process. The proceedings mark the latest chapter in a case that shocked the city and drew national attention for its cold-blooded execution of a uniformed officer in broad daylight.
RELATED: Otis McKane sentenced to death for 2016 murder of SAPD Det. Marconi
On Nov. 20, 2016, just before noon, Marconi was sitting in his patrol vehicle writing a traffic citation when McKane pulled up behind him, approached the driver’s side window, and opened fire, according to police. One bullet struck Marconi in the head. McKane then reached inside the cruiser and fired a second shot before driving off.
Marconi, a 20-year veteran of the department, was rushed to San Antonio Military Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries within half an hour.
RELATED: Otis McKane found guilty in the shooting death of SAPD Det. Marconi
After a four-week trial in August 2021, a jury found McKane guilty of capital murder and sentenced him to death.
In a dramatic twist during the original trial, McKane attempted to flee the courtroom after hearing the guilty verdict, striking a sheriff’s deputy in the process before being quickly subdued by several court officials.