San Jose Police Arrest Christopher Espinoza Jr. for 2021 Murder
San Jose, California — Authorities have arrested a man in connection with a 2021 gang-related shooting that resulted in the death of one man and left a woman injured. On December 3, 2024, Christopher Espinoza Jr., a 35-year-old Hollister resident, was taken into custody by San Jose police.
The incident occurred on September 10, 2021, when officers responded to reports of gunfire near Winchester Boulevard and Cadillac Drive. Upon arrival, they discovered a 31-year-old woman suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds on the sidewalk and a 42-year-old man in a parking lot, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
While the suspects fled the scene before police arrived, the case was quickly believed to be gang-related. Investigators from the San Jose Police Department’s Homicide Unit identified Espinoza and 22-year-old Isaiah Sotelo as the primary suspects. Arrest warrants were issued for both men.
Espinoza was located by the department’s Covert Response Unit in Hollister and was arrested on murder charges. Sotelo, however, remains at large and is believed to be hiding in Mexico. A felony arrest warrant has been issued for his involvement in the crime.
The police department is asking anyone with information regarding Sotelo’s whereabouts or any details related to the case to contact Detective Sergeant Barragan or Detective Harrington at 408-277-5283. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the P3TIPS mobile app, the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or through the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers website. Information leading to an arrest could qualify for a cash reward.
