Corporal Jose Luis "Speedy" Espericueta, Jr., a 44-year-old Hispanic male, was a dedicated officer with the Mission Police Department in Texas. On June 20, 2019, he tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Corporal Espericueta was responding to a call for assistance after a woman flagged down officers, reporting that her son had shot at her car with a handgun. The incident occurred near Stewart Road and Business Highway 83 in Mission, Texas.
As Corporal Espericueta and other officers arrived at the scene, they located the suspect, 33-year-old Juan Carlos Chapa Jr., who fled on foot. During the pursuit, Chapa turned and opened fire, striking Corporal Espericueta multiple times. Other officers returned fire, ultimately killing Chapa.
Corporal Espericueta was transported to McAllen Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries at 10:05 p.m. The Texas Rangers led the investigation into the homicide, and it was determined that Chapa had acted violently towards his mother and posed a significant threat to the officers and the community. Corporal Espericueta had served with the Mission Police Department for 13 years and had previously served with the San Benito Police Department for five years. He was a highly respected officer, known for his dedication and bravery.
In the aftermath of the incident, the family of Juan Carlos Chapa filed a lawsuit against the city of Mission, claiming that the officers had used excessive force and violated Chapa's rights. The lawsuit alleged that the officers acted with deliberate indifference to Chapa's mental and medical needs, both before and after the shooting. The Chapa family sought compensation for punitive damages, citing pain and suffering, emotional and mental distress, and personal humiliation caused by the incident. The city of Mission and the officers involved in the shooting faced legal scrutiny as the case progressed through the courts.
Corporal Espericueta's death was a profound loss for the Mission Police Department and the community he served. He was remembered for his heroic actions, including rescuing an elderly man from a burning house and saving two young children locked in a car. His dedication to public service and his commitment to protecting others left a lasting impact on those who knew him. The community mourned his passing and honored his memory through various tributes and memorials.
