Crime
Joselyn Espinoza murderer Francisco Ochoa is out on $50,000 bond
Houston police have charged 19-year-old Francisco Javier Ochoa with manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Joselyn Espinoza.
Arely De Luna, the mother of Joselyn Espinoza, expressed her frustration and outrage over the fact that Ochoa, the individual accused of her daughter’s murder, is out on a $50,000 bond, while her family is still struggling to cover funeral expenses. “How is it possible that this murderer is out on bond until his next court date on December 3rd?” she asked.
De Luna urged the prosecutor at the 209th District Court to either upgrade the charges immediately or bring Ochoa back to court before the December hearing. “My daughter deserves justice. My granddaughter is devastated, knowing that her mother is never coming back.”
She called the decision to release Ochoa on bond “an insult and a slap in the face,” expressing fear for her and her family’s safety now that Ochoa is free. De Luna emphasized that it feels as though the prosecutor is more concerned about Ochoa and his family than the victims. “I will not sit by and do nothing,” she declared.
De Luna also noted that, before Ochoa was taken into custody, there had been suspicious activity around her home, with cars driving by slowly and parking outside for extended periods. These vehicles had no tags and would speed away after a while. “I felt a little more at peace when he was in custody, but not anymore.”
She concluded by vowing to take action after her daughter’s burial, saying, “I will make as many phone calls, visit as many places, and do whatever it takes to put you back in jail.
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.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.