SAN ANTONIO -- A second suspect has been identified in connection with the shooting death of Balcones Heights police officer Julian Pesina on May 4.
Police said Alfred Cardona III, 36, was already in custody at the Bexar County jail when his name came up as one of the shooters during an interrogation. According to court documents, a co-defendant in the case, Jerry Idrogo, named Cardona and another suspect during a "detailed confession" to police.
Authorities said Pesina had just walked out of a tattoo shop he co-owned when two masked men, both armed -- one with a 12-gauge shotgun and the other with a 9 mm handgun -- approached him and started shooting.
Idrogo was able to provide officers with information about the murder weapon and about what Cardona was doing the night of Pesina's death. Idrogo said Cardona and another person pulled the trigger while he drove the white Pontiac Sunfire that was used to flee the scene, according to an affidavit.
Investigators said Idrogo's testimony matched information that had been provided by a "credible source." Idrogo was arrested on Aug. 29 in Ohio and has since been extradited to San Antonio. Investigators spoke with him on Wednesday Sept. 10.
According to court documents, Cardona was arrested on May 22 -- 18 days after the murder of Pesina -- after he was found in possession of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine with intent to deliver. He is due in court for the charges on Sept 29.
Cardona is now also facing a murder charge. His court date for that indictment has been set for Friday, Oct. 10.
Cardona is believed to be a member of the Texas Mexican Mafia. His criminal history includes multiple DWI's, assault, unlawful carry of a firearm and several drug possession charges.
Thursday's revelation is just another development in an investigation that has spanned four months -- one that has even claimed the job of former Balcones Heights police chief Henry Dominguez.
Dominguez was fired just weeks after Pesina was shot to death outside the tattoo parlor. The city administrator said Dominguez might have known Pesina had possible gang ties but failed to do anything.
The second shooter has not been arrested.
adelgado@kens5.com
Twitter: @ErandeTX
