Hallock Murder Case Ends With 15-Year Sentence

HALLOCK, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Jordan Hanson was sentenced to 15 years in prison for killing Justin Esparza.

A Kittson County judge sentenced Hanson to 180 months on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

The sentence follows Esparza’s shooting death inside his Hallock home on March 13, 2025.

Guilty Plea Entered in May

Hanson pleaded guilty on May 28, 2026, to second-degree felony murder.

The plea resolved the case more than one year after Esparza was killed.

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office handled the prosecution after a county referral.

Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office announced the conviction before Hanson’s sentencing.

Prosecutors said Hanson shot Esparza in the head using a handgun that belonged to him.

They said Hanson then left the home in Esparza’s truck.

She also took Esparza’s dog before authorities arrested her.

Ellison’s office joined the case after a referral from Kittson County Attorney Robert Albrecht.

Minnesota law allows the attorney general to assist when a county attorney requests help.

The Attorney General’s Office usually handles civil matters, not local criminal prosecutions.

The referral allowed state prosecutors to work with county officials throughout the murder case.

The case involved several law enforcement agencies across Kittson County and Minnesota.

The Kittson County Sheriff’s Office and Hallock Police Department also worked on the case.

The 180-month prison term equals 15 years under the sentence imposed by the court.

Hanson’s plea led to the July 8 sentencing hearing in Kittson County.

The sentencing came nearly 16 months after Esparza was killed inside his home.

The main criminal case concluded in Kittson County District Court.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.