Texas Man Accused of Following Bar Patron to SUV and Shooting Him in the Head After Argument

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — A Texas man has been charged with murder after allegedly following another bar patron to his vehicle and shooting him multiple times in the head following a heated argument.

According to the San Antonio Police Department, 43-year-old Ramiro Espinoza Jr. was arrested after investigators say he fatally shot 59-year-old Julio Cesar Martinez Padron outside a local bar on October 19. Padron later died from his injuries.

Argument Inside Bar Turns Deadly Outside

Witnesses told police that Espinoza and Padron got into a verbal argument inside the bar Sunday night, which quickly escalated and required others to physically separate the men.

Both eventually left the bar around 11 p.m., walking to their respective vehicles in the parking lot. But instead of leaving, Espinoza allegedly retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and approached Padron, who was seated in his SUV.

“I got you now,” Espinoza reportedly said before firing several shots through the driver’s window, striking Padron in the head, according to the arrest affidavit obtained by KSAT.

Espinoza then fled the scene in his vehicle.

Police Use License Plate Cameras to Track Suspect

When officers arrived, Padron was found unresponsive next to his SUV and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He died the next day from his injuries.

Investigators were able to identify Espinoza after San Antonio Police license plate recognition cameras captured his vehicle leaving the scene. Witnesses also picked Espinoza’s photo out of a lineup, helping confirm his identity.

Another witness provided a partial plate number that matched the suspect’s car, strengthening the case against him.

Murder Charge and Court Appearance

Espinoza was arrested shortly after and charged with murder. He appeared in court earlier this week, where a judge set his bond at $250,000.

He remains in custody at the Bexar County Jail and is scheduled for a pre-indictment hearing on January 15, 2026.

Police continue to investigate what sparked the deadly altercation, but officials say the evidence — including surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts — clearly points to Espinoza’s deliberate intent.

Anyone with additional information about the shooting is urged to contact San Antonio Police or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.

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