The Arizona Daily Star published an appeal for help in the 1996 shooting of Juan Antonio Espinosa.
“The 19-year-old construction worker and his friend went cruising on June 23, 1996. Around 10 p.m., the friend pulled his 1986 Cadillac into the parking lot of a Checker Auto Parts store on South Sixth Avenue to make a U-turn so they could meet up with friends in the parking lot of another auto parts store. Both lots were popular hangouts for cruisers.
A group of people in the Checker lot approached the Cadillac and yelled at the two men. Shots were fired, and Espinosa, a front-seat passenger, was struck in the torso by at least one of nine bullets that ripped into the car.
Neither Espinosa nor his friend was involved in a gang, investigators said.”
Even though the case has not officially been assigned to an officer, the police is asking for any information about this shooting. Juan Antonio Espinosa was just two hours shy of celebrating his 20th birthday when he was shot and killed. His friend drove Espinosa to what was then called Kino Community Hospital, where Juan was pronounced dead.
Anyone with information is urged to call 88-CRIME. Tips also can be submitted online at www.88crime.org; or by text message at 274637, then enter tip259 plus your text message. The Tuscon Police Department’s non-emergency number is 520-791-4444 (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
