Shooting Leaves 1 Dead and 2 Injured

Brittany Green
Assistant News Director

The San Marcos Police Department is investigating a shooting that took place early  Monday morning that left one man dead and two others injured.

Officers responded to a residence in the 1700 block of River Road early Monday morning after receiving a report that a person had been shot in the head. The caller reported that three men came to the home with a gun, shots were fired and the suspects drove away.

Seven people have been charged with capital murder in connection with the shooting including Daniel Francisco Castillo (17), Joe Angel Smith-Saucedo (21), Joe Michael Magana (17),  Joey Vargas (18), Jeremy Tobias (17),  Reynaldo Lerma (18),  Xavier Luis Magana (18)

Monday afternoon officers were able to locate the suspects’ silver Toyota Avalon and take Castillo, Smith- Saucedo, Joe Magana, Vargas and Tobias into custody. Lerma was arrested Monday evening and Luis Magana was arrested Tuesday morning. Officers also discovered a handgun in the car.

The body of 21-year-old Joel Espino was found at the residence with an apparent gunshot wound. A stolen rifle was found at the home as well.

Shortly after Espino’s body was discovered, two men arrived at Central Texas Medical Center with gunshot wounds. One victim was later released and the other was transferred to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin.

Police believe that the incident may have started as an attempted robbery and escalated into a shooting. There have also been reports that the residence is a known drug location.

Police began interviewing multiple suspects, witnesses and victims Monday. As the investigation continues, the residence is an active crime scene. Hays County Narcotics Task Force and Department of Public Safety Crime Lab are assisting with the investigation.

There appears to be no ongoing threat to the public.