The Tragic Robbery and Murder of Andres Salinas: Two Men Allegedly Involved
Two men, Jimmy Tran and Sebastian Espinar, were allegedly involved in the robbery and murder of Andres Salinas, a 22-year-old man, behind a Wing Stop in the 13900 block of Nacogdoches Road in 2019. Reports indicate that Salinas was killed on August 12, 2019, at around 8:30 p.m.[0] Witnesses told police that a white Hyundai Genesis drove behind the Wing Stop restaurant where Salinas was walking.[1] Within moments, he fled as a pair of men exited the vehicle, one brandishing a lengthy firearm while the other wielded a pistol. Salinas was shot at until he fell to the ground.[0]
According to an arrest affidavit, a witness told investigators he saw Salinas walk up to a car parked behind the Wing Stop and then started to run away from the vehicle.[2] Espinar and Tran exited the vehicle and began firing at Salinas, causing him to fall to the ground. According to the witness, the suspects returned to their vehicle and escaped.
Detectives examining security camera footage from a nearby H-E-B determined the Hyundai was involved in the crime and traced its ownership to Espinar, who had been arrested a few weeks earlier on charges of reckless conduct, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm. After obtaining surveillance footage from a nearby H-E-B, investigators were able to recognize the suspects' vehicle as a white Hyundai Genesis. Officers searched police records for cars matching that description and found a person of interest, Espinar, who had recently been arrested on suspicion of reckless conduct, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm, according to the affidavit.
Espinar told detectives that Salinas gave him 30 Xanax bars, but instead of paying him, Espinar pulled a handgun. Their would-be robbery victim then reached into Espinar’s car, grabbed handfuls of cash, and took off running, so he and Tran stepped out and fired repeatedly, Espinar told detectives. Espinar explained to the jury that he wanted to rob Salinas for previously selling him fake Xanax pills.[3]
According to Espinar's account to the police, Salinas delved into the car and snatched a sum of money that lay between Espinar's legs before darting away. According to the police, Espinar and Tran exited the vehicle and opened fire on Salinas, resulting in his death. As per the affidavit, Espinar informed the police that he and Tran had intended to purchase drugs from Salinas, but later on had a change of heart and planned to steal from him. After Salinas provided them with drugs, Espinar revealed his firearm and instructed him, “You should go back inside and go back to work,” according to the affidavit.
However, instead of paying Salinas, Espinar pulled out a gun and demanded that Salinas go back inside and get back to work at the Wing Stop, according to the affidavit. Salinas then reached into Espinar's car, grabbed some cash, and took off running. So, Espinar and Tran stepped out and fired multiple shots at him, according to Espinar's account, the affidavit stated.
Tran was accused of robbing and then shooting Salinas behind the Wing Stop location.[4] The jury had the option of convicting Tran of murder or manslaughter, but still decided on capital murder.[4] If Tran is proven guilty, he may be sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.[5] Sebastian Espinar, the co-accused, has entered into a plea agreement, wherein he will serve 25 years in prison in return for testifying against Tran. Espinar has not been sentenced yet and could take the stand this week to testify against Tran.[2]
In summary, the murder of Andres Salinas was a tragic event that involved a robbery gone wrong. Two men, Jimmy Tran and Sebastian Espinar, were allegedly involved in the crime, and Espinar has since taken a plea deal in exchange for his testimony against Tran. The case highlights the dangers of drug use and the importance of seeking help to address addiction. It is a reminder that violence and crime are never the answer and that everyone deserves to feel safe in their community.
0. “Capital murder trial of Jimmy Cuong Duc for a 2019 killing begins” San Antonio Express-News, 28 Mar. 2023, https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/prosecutor-tells-jury-2019-killing-show-dark-17864771.php
1. “Jury finds drug deal killing, with cash flying, was capital murder” San Antonio Express-News, 5 Apr. 2023, https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/bexar-jury-deliberating-case-man-shot-money-flew-17878882.php
2. “Capital murder trial to begin Tuesday for man accused in 2019 slaying” KSAT San Antonio, 27 Mar. 2023, https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2023/03/27/capital-murder-trial-to-begin-tuesday-for-man-accused-in-2019-slaying/
3. “‘I never intended to harm him': Co-defendant testifies against man on trial for capital murder” KSAT San Antonio, 30 Mar. 2023, https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2023/03/30/i-never-intended-to-harm-him-co-defendant-testifies-against-man-on-trial-for-capital-murder
4. “Life sentence, no parole for San Antonio man guilty of capital murder” 550 KTSA, 5 Apr. 2023, https://www.ktsa.com/life-sentence-no-parole-for-san-antonio-man-guilty-of-capital-murder/
5. “Witness details deadly shooting during testimony but can't identify the killer” KSAT San Antonio, 30 Mar. 2023, https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2023/03/30/witness-details-deadly-shooting-during-testimony-but-cant-identify-the-killer
