On the evening of April 19, 2024, 18-year-old Phillip Edward Esslinger III was fatally shot in the chest at a residence in the 500 block of West Yoakum Avenue in Aransas Pass, Texas. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Initially, the incident was reported as an accidental shooting involving a shotgun that discharged while being handled by another individual at the scene.
However, upon further investigation, authorities determined that the shooting was intentional. On April 25, 2024, 19-year-old Trintton Ray Crisp was arrested and charged with murder in connection with Esslinger's death.
At the time of his arrest, Crisp was employed as a corrections officer at the Aransas County Detention Center. Following his arrest, he was released on a $200,000 bond and continued his employment at the detention center, a situation that caused concern among Esslinger's family members.
Esslinger, born on August 18, 2005, in Uvalde, Texas, was remembered for his love of outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, as well as his interests in reading, cooking, and knife collecting. He was a cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. A memorial service was held on May 4, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Rockport, Texas, to honor his memory.
