Truck Driver Sentenced to Life for Deadly Brenham DPS Crash

Clenard Parker is to remain incarcerated for the remainder of his life, with no chance of parole, after driving an 18-wheeler into a Department of Public Safety office near Brenham, Texas. He pleaded guilty to capital murder and was sentenced on November 5, 2026, under a plea agreement that avoided the death penalty.

The crash happened on April 12, 2024, at the DPS office on U.S. 290 West. Prosecutors said Parker was angry after his commercial driver’s license was not renewed. Investigators determined that he returned to the office to retaliate against an employee he blamed for the decision.

After taking a semi-truck from a Chappell Hill parking area, Parker led sheriff’s deputies on a chase before crashing through the building’s entrance. Bobby Huff, 78, died at the scene. Cheryl Turner, 63, died days later from her injuries. About a dozen people were injured, including an elderly victim who survived but had a leg amputated.

The agreement also imposes a life sentence for the surviving victim, five years for damage to the building, 20 years apiece for two other victims, and two years for vehicle theft. Parker gave up his right to appeal. His defense counsel said doctors at a state hospital evaluated him and found him competent to plead guilty.

Washington County District Attorney Derek Estep said no sentence could undo the harm to the victims’ families, but expressed hope the plea would bring some peace. Officials are discussing whether to demolish the DPS building, and Estep said his office would work with local legislators and DPS officials on that effort.