It's 1,030 miles from San Antonio to Las Cruces, New Mexico, and back. It is a trip Michele Espinoza and her family plan to make often in the months and, perhaps, years ahead in their quest for justice.
Michele is the sister of Adam Espinoza, an aspiring young musician who left San Antonio for California around the start of the new year, hoping to launch a career. He never made it. Espinoza dropped out of sight in early January. His body was found on January 10th near Anthony, New Mexico where someone robbed him, shot him, stuffed him in the trunk of his Mitsubishi Gallant, then doused the car with gasoline and set it on fire.
The first trip made by Espinoza's family to New Mexico following his death was to take his dental records to Albuquerque for help in identifying his body. They will make many more.
Three teens are now charged with Espinoza's murder. All are alleged to be gang members and are repeat offenders. Each has pleaded not guilty and is being held on a one-million dollars bond in Las Cruces.
Although the trial date still has not been set, the Espinoza's plan to be in the courtroom every single day, "to make sure," says Michelle, "that those boys receive the justice they deserve."
To do so, the family will need money. A barbecue fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 20th, to help pay their transportation costs to and from Las Cruces and the housing expenses they will incur while there. The event will be held from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Frio Saloon at 801 South Frio Street. Barbecue chicken and sausage will be served with all the trimmings.
Monetary donations may also be made to Bank of America, account number 488-029-737-060.
