San Antonio, TX – A 43-year-old Texas man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting another man in the head following an argument at a local bar. Police say Ramiro Espinoza Jr. fatally shot 59-year-old Julio Cesar Martinez Padron on Sunday night before fleeing the scene.
The Incident: Bar Argument Turns Deadly
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by investigators, Espinoza and Padron were seen arguing inside a San Antonio bar late Sunday evening. Witnesses told police that the two men had to be physically separated during the confrontation.
At around 11 p.m., both men exited the bar and walked toward their vehicles. As Padron entered his SUV, Espinoza allegedly went to his own vehicle to retrieve a firearm.
“I got you now,” Espinoza reportedly said as he approached Padron’s window, before firing several shots into the vehicle, striking Padron multiple times in the head.
Espinoza then allegedly fled the scene, leaving the victim gravely injured beside his SUV. Witnesses called 911 as Padron collapsed to the ground.
Investigation and Evidence
When officers from the San Antonio Police Department arrived, they found Padron unresponsive next to his SUV. He was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but died the following day from his injuries.
Investigators quickly identified Espinoza as a suspect. According to police, surveillance footage and witness statements corroborated his involvement. Several witnesses were able to pick Espinoza’s photo out of a lineup, and one provided a partial license plate number for his vehicle.
Officers confirmed through Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology that Espinoza’s car had been captured leaving the area shortly after the shooting. Based on this evidence, an arrest warrant was issued.
Arrest and Charges
Espinoza was taken into custody and charged with murder on Monday after Padron succumbed to his gunshot wounds. He appeared in Bexar County court on Tuesday, where a judge set his bond at $250,000.
According to court documents, Espinoza is currently being held in custody pending trial. His next pre-indictment hearing is scheduled for January 15, 2026.
Authorities have not disclosed what caused the initial argument between the two men, but witnesses described the encounter as “heated” and said it escalated rapidly once they were outside the bar.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Police said the shooting was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Detectives commended the quick cooperation of witnesses, whose information led to the suspect’s swift identification.
Residents of the area expressed concern about rising bar-related violence in San Antonio, with local business owners calling for increased police patrols during late-night hours to prevent similar tragedies.
A spokesperson for the San Antonio Police Department stated:
“This case shows how quickly a verbal dispute can turn deadly when firearms are involved. We urge the community to resolve conflicts peacefully and report aggressive behavior before it escalates.”
Background Context
Under Texas law, a conviction for murder carries a potential sentence of 5 to 99 years in prison, depending on the degree of intent and circumstances surrounding the crime. In cases like this, prosecutors typically pursue first-degree murder charges, especially when premeditation or prior threats are evident.
Authorities said Espinoza’s alleged words, “I got you now,” could be presented as evidence of intent during the upcoming proceedings.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Cuyahoga County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Espinoza remains in jail while prosecutors prepare for the January hearing. Meanwhile, investigators continue to gather forensic evidence from the crime scene, including ballistics testing and surveillance footage from nearby establishments.
Padron’s family has not released a public statement but is reportedly working with victims’ advocates and local organizations to pursue justice for their loved one.
Conclusion
The fatal bar shooting has left the San Antonio community shaken, serving as a grim reminder of how quickly violence can erupt from a simple argument. As Ramiro Espinoza Jr. awaits trial, police and residents alike are calling for stricter enforcement of bar safety and conflict prevention measures to prevent future tragedies.
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