HALLOCK, Kittson County (trfnews.i234.me) — A tragic and shocking crime unfolded in Hallock, Minnesota, on Thursday, leaving a St. Paul family devastated. The family of 43-year-old Justin Esparza has launched a GoFundMe account to help bring his body back to St. Paul after he was fatally shot.
Authorities say 23-year-old Jordan Hanson of Kennedy, Minnesota, was arrested shortly after the incident and is now facing charges of second-degree and third-degree murder. According to court records, Hanson’s mother contacted the Kittson County Sheriff’s Office around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, reporting that her daughter confessed to shooting a man in the head.
Hanson, who had recently left a drug treatment center, allegedly returned to Kittson County overnight. When speaking to authorities, she reportedly admitted to having the victim’s car and dog and appeared to be under the influence of drugs.
Investigators also interviewed Edwin Jans, who stated he was inside the residence smoking meth with both Esparza and Hanson when he witnessed Hanson fatally shoot Esparza. Law enforcement found a Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun near the victim’s body and a spent casing on the floor next to the couch.
Hanson is being held at Kittson County Jail with bail set at $200,000 cash or a $2 million non-cash bond, both without conditions. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is assisting with the investigation.
A GoFundMe account has been set up by the family to help with funeral and transport costs for Esparza’s body. Click here for the GoFundMe
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News
Did you know?
- Incident type: Homicide
- Suspect: Jordan Hanson, 23, Kennedy, MN
- Victim: Justin Esparza, 43, St. Paul, MN
- Charges: Second-degree murder, Third-degree murder
- Location: Hallock, Kittson County, MN
- Bail: $200,000 cash / $2 million non-cash bond
- Substance involved: Methamphetamine
- Weapon: Smith & Wesson 9 mm
- Agencies involved: Kittson County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota BCA
- Contact for info: Kittson County Sheriff’s Office