Jordan Carol Hanson, 24, entered a guilty plea on Thursday, May 28. The charge is second-degree murder without intent.<\/p>\n
A second-degree murder charge is expected to be dismissed. Hanson is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, July 8.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Authorities said Esparza had been shot in the head.<\/p>\n
Family Members Reported Shooting<\/h2>\n
According to the amended complaint, the case began with a call to the Kittson County Sheriff\u2019s Office at about 1:27 p.m.<\/p>\n
Hanson\u2019s mother reported that Hanson had allegedly shot Esparza. She said Hanson was with her at her home.<\/p>\n
The complaint said Hanson had recently been under care at a drug treatment center.<\/p>\n
Her mother told authorities that someone picked Hanson up during the night. She said Hanson was then driven to Kittson County.<\/p>\n
She also reported that Hanson had Esparza\u2019s vehicle and dog.<\/p>\n
Hanson later spoke by phone with law enforcement. The complaint said she sounded like she was under the influence.<\/p>\n
She said she wanted to speak with authorities in person. She also mentioned having Esparza\u2019s car and dog.<\/p>\n
![\"Jordan](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/frmHandle.jpg\")
<\/p>\nJordan Carol Hanson<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Victim Found Inside Hallock Home<\/h2>\n
About one minute after the first call, Hanson\u2019s sister called 911.<\/p>\n
She reported that Hanson had apparently shot Esparza. She asked authorities to check on him.<\/p>\n
Officers went to Esparza\u2019s Hallock home shortly after the reports.<\/p>\n
They found Esparza dead at about 1:34 p.m. He was partly on a couch and the floor.<\/p>\n
The complaint said officers saw blood on his head and the nearby floor.<\/p>\n
A semiautomatic Smith & Wesson handgun was found on the couch. It was a few feet from Esparza\u2019s body.<\/p>\n
A casing was found on the floor near the couch. No one else was found inside the home.<\/p>\n
Hanson Arrested After Report<\/h2>\n
Authorities then went to the home of Hanson\u2019s mother.<\/p>\n
Hanson was outside when law enforcement arrived. She was told she was under arrest for homicide.<\/p>\n
The complaint said Hanson made several unclear statements after the arrest.<\/p>\n
Her family told authorities she was \u201ccompletely delusional from using drugs,\u201d according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
When asked if she knew why she was under arrest, Hanson allegedly said it was because she had shot an officer.<\/p>\n
She also said she was sorry, according to court documents.<\/p>\n
Law enforcement later interviewed a man who said he witnessed Hanson shooting Esparza.<\/p>\n
The complaint only identified Esparza by initials. Family members later identified him as the person who had been shot.<\/p>\n
Court Case Continues<\/h2>\n
The case remains active in Kittson County District Court<\/a>.<\/p>\n The court is part of Minnesota\u2019s Ninth Judicial District. It handles criminal cases filed in Kittson County.<\/p>\n More public court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch<\/a>.<\/p>\n Authorities have not released further details on the plea agreement.<\/p>\n Hanson\u2019s sentencing is set for Wednesday, July 8.<\/p>\n