2nd Murder Warrant Obtained In Fatal Austin Shooting

AUSTIN, TX — Austin homicide detectives on Thursday obtained a second murder warrant in connection to the shooting death of a man last summer.

In a press advisory, the Austin Police Department said the additional murder warrant for Pedro Fuentes Espinoza, 42, was obtained stemming from the death of Julio Cesar Gamez-Contreras, 26, on Aug. 11, 2019. Police accuse the suspect of two homicides committed in Austin in the last six months, noting his previous wanted status for the murder of Elvi Vanessa Cervantes-De La Torre on Feb. 17.

Police accuse Fuentes of fatally shooting Cervantes as ahe sat in her car. Moreover, police added, Fuentes may have previously committed a murder in Mexico before arriving in Austin to avoid arrest. Police provided further details during a Thursday press conference:

Police are asking anyone who sees Fuentes to call 9-1-1 immediately. "Do not attempt to apprehend or make contact with him," police warned. "Espinoza is considered armed and extremely dangerous."

Pedro Fuentes Espinoza, 42, is wanted in connection to a pair of recent fatal shooting incidents in Austin. Photo provided by the Austin Police Department.

Police provided a synopsis of the Aug. 19, 2019, incident: At about 1:50 a.m. last August, police received a call about shots fired in the parking lot of La Preferida bar at 10205 N. Lamar Blvd. Upon arrival, police and medics came across three Hispanic men suffering from gunshot wounds, including the victim who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The two other victims were transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Previous coverage: Woman Dead, Man Hurt In N. Austin Shooting; Suspects Sought

Amid their investigation, detectives learned from witnesses that a fight had broken out inside the bar between the victims and several Hispanic male suspects. The fight spilled onto the parking lot of the establishment, police said, where a shooting ensued. Police noted the suspects fled the scene in a white Cadillac Escalade truck similar to the one pictured below.

Photo provided by the Austin Police Department.

Police at the time asked anyone with information about the incident and/or cell phone vieo to contact Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS or by using the Crime Stoppers App or by emailing APD Homicide at homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. Police advised tipsters of their option to remain anonymous, adding they could also provide leads via the police department's free mobile app, Austin PD, on iPhone and Android.