SAN ANTONIO, TX – A dispute at a local bar escalated into deadly violence late Sunday, resulting in the death of a 59-year-old man and the arrest of another on murder charges, authorities said.
Investigators say Ramiro Espinoza Jr., 43, faces a murder charge in connection with the shooting of Julio Cesar Martinez Padron, which occurred outside the bar shortly after an argument between the two men.
Witnesses reported that the two men became involved in a heated confrontation inside the establishment, with tensions rising to the point that others in the bar had to physically intervene to separate them. Both individuals then exited the premises and walked to their respective vehicles in the parking lot.
Authorities say as Padron attempted to drive away, Espinoza allegedly retrieved a firearm from his own vehicle and approached Padron’s SUV. Espinoza is accused of confronting Padron at his vehicle window and opening fire, striking him multiple times in the head at close range.
Espinoza then reportedly fled the scene in his car. According to officials, his vehicle’s license plate was captured by a police Automated License Plate Recognition camera system, aiding in the investigation.
First responders found Julio Padron unresponsive and lying on the ground next to his SUV when they arrived at the scene. Padron was transported to a hospital in critical condition and died from those injuries the following day.
Along with the automated plate data, several witnesses not only recounted the events leading up to the shooting but also identified Espinoza in a police photo lineup, further linking him to the fatal encounter. Police said at least one witness provided a partial license plate that matched Espinoza’s vehicle.
Espinoza was apprehended and booked into custody shortly after the shooting. He appeared before a judge on Tuesday, where his bond was set at $250,000. He remains in the county jail pending further legal proceedings.
A pre-indictment hearing for Espinoza has been scheduled for January 15, 2026. Prosecutors have not disclosed whether additional charges will be considered as the investigation continues.
San Antonio police have not yet released a possible motive for the initial argument, and it remains unclear whether the two men knew each other prior to Sunday night’s events.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to gather evidence and speak with additional witnesses.