Authorities have charged a young man in connection with a recent fatal shooting in Houston. The suspect, 19-year-old Francisco Javier Ochoa, faces manslaughter charges after a woman was found shot at St. Joseph Medical Center, subsequently dying from her injuries. A photograph of Ochoa, who remains at large, has been circulated by law enforcement in an effort to solicit help from the public, as per the City of Houston News.
The shooting took place on Sunday, with the victim, identified as 24-year-old Joselyn Espinoza, being transported to the medical center by private vehicle. Despite efforts to save her, Ms. Espinoza was later pronounced deceased at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. Initially, the details regarding the circumstances and the location of the incident were unclear, but an investigation led authorities to a motel parking lot in the 15000 block of Mesa Drive, where the crime is believed to have occurred.
In their ongoing search for the suspect, the Houston Police Department's Homicide Division has requested assistance from the community. According to a City of Houston news release, "HPD patrol officers responded to a hospital check call at the above address – St. Joseph Medical Center – regarding a person with a gunshot wound transported by private vehicle." The Houston authorities are urging anyone with information pertinent to Ochoa's whereabouts to come forward.
The HPD Homicide Division, led by Sergeant K. Persad and Detective L. Gonzales, continues to unravel the circumstances leading to Espinoza's death. Those with informative leads are encouraged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
