AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department has identified 47-year-old Edward Espino as the victim of a fatal incident involving a gunshot wound that occurred early Sunday morning on Interstate 35. Espino was pronounced dead at 4:14 AM after his stalled 2016 Mitsubishi Mirage was struck by a Ford Bronco while in the far left lane.
According to reports, multiple 911 calls were received at approximately 3:36 AM, initially reporting a stalled vehicle located in the 11600 block of North I-35 northbound. As responders arrived on the scene, the situation escalated when they identified that the stalled vehicle had been involved in a crash. The driver of the Mitsubishi, Espino, was discovered to have sustained a gunshot wound.
“He was just such a bright light, a burst of energy,” stated Laurie Caballero, Espino’s older sister, highlighting the profound impact he had on his loved ones.
The Austin Fire Department (AFD) was the first to arrive, performing life-saving efforts before Espino was pronounced dead at the scene. Despite the indicators of a typical car crash, the discovery of the gunshot wound prompted detectives to treat the case as a homicide. Investigators suspect that road rage may have been a contributing factor to the tragic event.
Detective Chris Anderson, speaking at a press conference on March 18, urged anyone who witnessed the incident or heard shots fired to come forward: “Anyone who may have seen the vehicles that appear to be an altercation to come forward so detectives can further investigate.”
The driver of the Ford Bronco, who was involved in the collision, was interviewed by detectives and cooperated with the investigation. Authorities stated that this individual is not believed to be connected to Espino’s homicide. As of now, no suspects have been identified in the shooting.
“There's nothing that could bring him back, and we know that,” said Jessica Munoz, Espino’s younger sister, expressing the anguish of a family grappling with the impact of this tragic loss. “But in knowing who took him from us couldn’t mean everything.”
The Austin Police Department's investigation indicates that this incident marks the city’s ninth homicide of 2025. The northbound lanes of I-35 were closed from 12:30 PM to allow police to conduct a thorough investigation of the area.
A community deeply affected by the tragic events is now left seeking justice. Authorities are asking anyone who may have additional information about the incident to reach out to APD at 512-974-TIPS. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.
This incident has not only raised concerns about road safety in Austin but also highlights the escalating issue of road rage in urban environments. As families and communities come together to mourn the loss of individuals like Edward Espino, the call for awareness and caution on the roads becomes ever more urgent.
Further investigations will continue as police seek to uncover the full circumstances leading up to this disturbing incident. As Espino’s friends and family remember his vibrant spirit, they are left hoping that justice will prevail and that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
