Crime
Where is Francisco Javier Ochoa? suspect charged in fatal shooting of 24-year-old Joselyn Espinoza
He is now in custody.
UDATE: Francisco Javier Ochoa, 19, charged with manslaughter in Sunday’s fatal shooting of Joselyn Espinoza, surrendered to Harris County Sheriff’s Office this evening. He is now in custody.
Houston police have charged 19-year-old Francisco Javier Ochoa with manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Joselyn Espinoza.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of September 15th when Espinoza was found suffering from a gunshot wound at St. Joseph Medical Center. Despite being transported to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, she tragically succumbed to her injuries.
Initial investigations were unable to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting or its location. However, through further investigation, authorities identified Ochoa as the suspect and discovered that the crime took place in a motel parking lot in the 15000 block of Mesa Drive.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the evidence and subsequently filed charges against Ochoa.
Ochoa remains at large.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts or the incident itself is urged to contact the Houston Police Department Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. All tips will remain anonymous.
Crime
Stephen McKenzie Identified as Suspect in Pembroke Park Shooting That Left Mother and Three Children Dead
PEMBROKE PARK, FL – Authorities have identified the suspect in a horrific mass shooting at a Pembroke Park apartment complex as 34-year-old Stephen McKenzie, the father of two of the youngest victims.
The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday evening, claimed the lives of a mother and three of her children.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Pembroke Park Police and Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputies responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex located in the 3100 block of Hallandale Beach Boulevard.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman and three children fatally shot inside the residence.
The victims were identified as:
- Julie Cruz, 32 (mother)
- Xion Solomon, 11
- Nova McKenzie, 2
- Emery McKenzie, 2
Both Nova and Emery were McKenzie’s biological children, authorities confirmed.
Additionally, first responders found 8-year-old Phiinyx Solomon suffering from gunshot wounds.
She was immediately transported to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, where she remains in serious condition.
McKenzie was also located at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound following an unsuccessful suicide attempt, according to investigators.
He was transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital in critical condition and is currently in police custody.
During a press briefing, BSO spokesperson Claudinne Caro confirmed that McKenzie has been identified as the primary suspect in the shooting.
“Upon arrival, officers found a woman and three children inside the apartment, all of whom were pronounced deceased from gunshot wounds. Another child and an adult male were also found injured. That male has now been identified as the suspect,” Caro stated.
The children’s grandmother arrived at the scene shortly after authorities notified her of the tragedy, collapsing into tears as she grieved the loss of her daughter and grandchildren.
“That’s my daughter! That’s my daughter!” she wailed in agony, as bystanders and neighbors attempted to console her.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the motive behind the attack, but neighbors and community members are left shocked and devastated by the brutal act of domestic violence.
“I just don’t understand what could lead someone to do something so terrible,” said one neighbor.
McKenzie remains hospitalized under police watch as the BSO Homicide Unit continues its investigation.
Officials urge anyone with additional information to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.