Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct age of the suspect. An incorrect birthdate was provided.
The Port Aransas Police Department has issued two arrest warrants for the suspect of the fatal shooting that took place on the Port Aransas beach just before midnight on Monday, March 11.
The police are looking for Francisco Espinoza, 26, who has a felony first degree warrant out for his arrest charging him with the murder of Kristopher Wayne Welder, 22, of Ingleside. Espinoza also has a felony second degree warrant out for his arrest charging him with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for the shooting of a 19-year-old Alice man.
Francisco Espinoza
Espinoza is believed to have ties to Corpus Christi and Taft. People with information on Espinoza’s location should call 911. Witnesses with general information should contact the Port Aransas Police Department at (361) 749-6241.
Espinoza’s bond is $750,000 for the murder charge and $250,000 for the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge.
Welder died early on the morning of Tuesday, March 12, after being shot near Mile Marker 42 on the beach in Port Aransas. He was pronounced dead at a Corpus Christi hospital.
The 19-year-old Alice man who also was shot at the beach underwent surgery at a Corpus Christi hospital and survived.
Port Aransas police and deputies from the Precinct 4 Constables Office heard gunshots when they were dispersing a large crowd on the beach near Mile Marker 42 just before midnight on Monday.
Police found Welder with at least one gunshot wound to the chest.
About six minutes later, a 911 call came in reporting shots fired near Mile Marker 27, near Beach Access Road 1. Officers found the Alice man with at least one gunshot wound to the abdomen. Officers discovered that the victim had also been shot near Mile Marker 42 and had been taken to Mile Marker 27 by an acquaintance.
He’s in Mexico by now!