Hallock Woman Pleads Guilty In Murder Case
HALLOCK, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Kennedy woman has pleaded guilty in Kittson County District Court to felony second-degree murder.
Jordan Carol Hanson, 24, entered a guilty plea on Thursday, May 28. The charge is second-degree murder without intent.
A second-degree murder charge is expected to be dismissed. Hanson is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, July 8.
The case is tied to the death of Justin Esparza, 43, of Hallock. Court documents say Esparza was found dead inside his home on March 13, 2025.
Authorities said Esparza had been shot in the head.
Family Members Reported Shooting
According to the amended complaint, the case began with a call to the Kittson County Sheriff’s Office at about 1:27 p.m.
Hanson’s mother reported that Hanson had allegedly shot Esparza. She said Hanson was with her at her home.
The complaint said Hanson had recently been under care at a drug treatment center.
Her mother told authorities that someone picked Hanson up during the night. She said Hanson was then driven to Kittson County.
She also reported that Hanson had Esparza’s vehicle and dog.
Hanson later spoke by phone with law enforcement. The complaint said she sounded like she was under the influence.
She said she wanted to speak with authorities in person. She also mentioned having Esparza’s car and dog.
Jordan Carol Hanson
Victim Found Inside Hallock Home
About one minute after the first call, Hanson’s sister called 911.
She reported that Hanson had apparently shot Esparza. She asked authorities to check on him.
Officers went to Esparza’s Hallock home shortly after the reports.
They found Esparza dead at about 1:34 p.m. He was partly on a couch and the floor.
The complaint said officers saw blood on his head and the nearby floor.
A semiautomatic Smith & Wesson handgun was found on the couch. It was a few feet from Esparza’s body.
A casing was found on the floor near the couch. No one else was found inside the home.
Hanson Arrested After Report
Authorities then went to the home of Hanson’s mother.
Hanson was outside when law enforcement arrived. She was told she was under arrest for homicide.
The complaint said Hanson made several unclear statements after the arrest.
Her family told authorities she was “completely delusional from using drugs,” according to the complaint.
When asked if she knew why she was under arrest, Hanson allegedly said it was because she had shot an officer.
She also said she was sorry, according to court documents.
Law enforcement later interviewed a man who said he witnessed Hanson shooting Esparza.
The complaint only identified Esparza by initials. Family members later identified him as the person who had been shot.
Court Case Continues
The case remains active in Kittson County District Court.
The court is part of Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. It handles criminal cases filed in Kittson County.
More public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
Authorities have not released further details on the plea agreement.
Hanson’s sentencing is set for Wednesday, July 8.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.