Port Aransas Police have initiated a manhunt for a suspect linked to a deadly beach shooting that left one person dead and another wounded. The alleged gunman, Francisco Espinoza, 27, is accused of opening fire at Port Aransas Beach on March 12, according to KRIS 6 News. Two arrest warrants have been issued: one for the murder of 22-year-old Kristopher Welder and another for the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a 19-year-old man from Alice.
Law enforcement is urgently seeking to apprehend Espinoza, described as a heavy-set male with a light complexion. He was reported to have been last seen driving a silver BMW with dark rims. Authorities are now reaching out to the community, hoping to swiftly capture the suspect who is believed to have connections in Corpus Christi and Taft. The incident, which unfolded just before midnight on March 11, sent beachgoers scattering as shots rang out.
Welder did not survive the attack, facing a first-degree felony in his passing, while the second victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, is expected to fully recover from his injuries. The Port Aransas South Jetty, in a report on the incident, noted that the young man is currently hospitalized but his prospects look promising. For any relevant details that the public might be able to contribute, Port Aransas PD has encouraged a dialogue, asking individuals to come forward by contacting them at (361) 749-6241.
