Hallock, MN – A tragic incident unfolded in Kittson County on Thursday, March 14, 2024, as authorities responded to a fatal shooting in the small northern Minnesota town of Hallock. 23-year-old Jordan Hanson of Kennedy has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of 43-year-old Justin Esparza.
According to court records, the case began when Hanson’s mother called the Kittson County Sheriff’s Office to report that her daughter had shot a man in the head. Law enforcement responded swiftly to the scene and discovered Esparza dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
A key witness later informed investigators that he had been present at the time of the shooting. The witness claimed that he, Hanson, and Esparza were smoking methamphetamine together when Hanson unexpectedly turned a firearm on Esparza and shot him in the head.
Hanson was taken into custody without further incident. She has been charged with second-degree murder and third-degree murder, both of which carry significant prison sentences if convicted.
During a court appearance, bail for Hanson was set at $2 million, reflecting the serious nature of the charges. The Kittson County Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, and additional details regarding motive, evidence, or Hanson’s criminal history have not yet been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether drugs or other factors played a role in the incident.
The Kittson County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), is leading the investigation. Hanson remains in custody at the Kittson County Jail as she awaits further court proceedings.
