Latest news with #Espinoza
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
'A real inspiration': Fallen Bloomfield officer donates organs to three people
Jun. 4—Even after dying, Bloomfield police officer Timothy Ontiveros continued to give to others. On Sunday, the 33-year-old died after being shot by Dennis Armenta, 58, during a traffic stop in Bloomfield on May 26. Armenta was fatally shot by another officer. After being taken off life support, Ontiveros' kidneys and liver were donated to three people, New Mexico Donor Services spokesperson Celina Espinoza said in a phone interview Wednesday. "To lose an officer in the line of duty is really, really difficult," she said, "and for him to continue to give even after serving his community so valiantly is just a real inspiration." Espinoza did not identify the recipients or disclose where they lived, but said the transplants were successful and everyone was "doing well." Ontiveros was not a registered organ donor, Espinoza said. If a person is not registered, their family may make the decision on the dying person's behalf to donate their organs, according to the National Institute of Aging. Ontiveros' family said "he had a true heart for service and would have wanted to continue to help others," Espinoza said. Only 1 in 1,000 hospital deaths happens in a way that allows for an organ donation, according to the Baylor College of Medicine. "It's rare people are able to give the gift of organ donation," Espinoza said. "It's a true miracle every time it happens." Ontiveros had served with the Bloomfield Police Department since December. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Aztec Fire Department. He previously worked for Farmington police. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered flags to be at half-staff for five days starting Thursday. "Officer Ontiveros exemplified extraordinary bravery and unwavering dedication in serving and protecting his fellow New Mexicans," she said in a statement. "He will be greatly missed by his family and community and will be remembered as a dedicated father to his two daughters, a fighter and a true public servant. "It is appropriate and proper to acknowledge Officer Ontiveros' life and service through a public period of mourning across New Mexico."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Man accused of killing Roswell police officer to appear in court for plea hearing
A plea hearing is scheduled for Tuesday morning in the case of a man accused of killing a Roswell police officer. Edward Espinoza is accused of shooting Officer Jeremy Labonte, 24, several times outside Ace Pickleball Club in February. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Labonte responded to a suspicious person call at the Market Boulevard location. Police say that as he approached Espinoza, the officer was shot and killed. Channel 2 Action News will be in the courtroom for the hearing. Get the latest updates on Channel 2 Action News at Noon. RELATED STORIES: Widow of fallen Roswell officer speaks for first time, shares how their love story began Suspect in killing of Roswell police officer in court as judge views bodycam footage Roswell officer shot more than a dozen times, prosecutors say as judge denies suspect's bond Suspect in custody after shooting, killing police officer just 'serving the citizens of Roswell' Roswell police had several interactions with suspect in officer's killing In March, Espinoza sat expressionless in court as investigators showed surveillance footage of the night Labonte was killed. Video shows Espinoza enter the pickleball club and speak with an employee who he asked if there were any Marines there. 'At that time, he followed up by saying, if there's any Marines, there was going to be trouble,' investigator Jerriel Mann said in court. When Espinoza went outside, the employee called 911. That's when they say Labonte showed up and was shot. Espinoza was arrested just minutes after the shooting. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Espinoza or McAlister? Early voting open for Abilene City Council runoff election
Early voting for the Abilene City Council Place 5 runoff election kicked off Tuesday in Taylor County. Newcomer Miguel Espinoza and incumbent Kyle McAlister are vying for the Place 5 seat. A candidate must garner 50% of the vote plus one vote to win. During the May 3 election, three candidates split the vote in the race for Place 5. McAlister received 49.78% of the vote, and Espinoza received 42.98%. The third candidate Cynthia Alvidrez received 7.24% of the vote. Eligible voters can put their vote in for Espinoza or McAlister at three polling locations during the early voting period, Tuesday-Friday this week and June 2-3. Here is where you can vote early: Taylor County Plaza, 400 Oak St. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 27-30 and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 2-3. Mall of Abilene, 4310 Buffalo Gap Road. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 27-30 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 2-3. Abilene City Hall, 555 Walnut St. Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 27-30 and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 2-3. Election Day voting centers are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. June 7. Here are the Election Day polling locations: Abilene City Hall, 555 Walnut St. New Beginnings United Pentecostal, 5535 Buffalo Gap Road Taylor County Plaza, 400 Oak St. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4515 South 14th St. Espinoza is a born-and-raised Abilene native, a graduate of Abilene High School and Abilene Christian University and works as an accountant at a local Abilene firm. As he grew professionally, Espinoza said he found a passion for nonprofit work. He volunteered with All Kind Animal Initiative since its fruition serving on its board as treasurer and president. He sits on the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature Board and serves on several state committees related to his career in accounting. Espinoza said his reason for running for City Council stems from his desire to pour back into the community that gave him so much. "I love my community, and I want to set an example for, hopefully one day, my future children and grandchildren," he said. Do not just exist in your community, Espinoza said. Use your gifts and personal blessings and give back. McAlister, the Place 5 incumbent, has served on the City Council since 2013. He said he is ready and able to serve again. "The challenges that we have ahead of us are really some of the same challenges that we've always had," McAlister said. City officials are tackling streets and water, solidifying infrastructure and continuing to develop job opportunities by bringing in companies and offering incentives to those companies, McAlister said. "I want people to know that I'm working hard for them and that I am here to listen," McAlister said. His job as a City Council member is to get results and work with the public, the other council members and city staff to work through problems together, he said. Crash takes man's life Memorial Day brings remembrances of those who served and those who gave all This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Early voting open for Abilene City Council runoff election
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man sentenced to 2 years, 8 months after pleading guilty to petty theft
A man convicted of petty theft with two prior convictions was sentenced Thursday to two years and eight months in prison and ordered to pay restitution to his victims, the Kern County District Attorney's Office said Friday. Juventino Espinoza's sentence stemmed from a theft Jan. 2 at the Target store on Mall View Road, according to a news release from the DA's Office. It said he was arrested after taking items including batteries and shavers without paying. Espinoza entered a plea before a Kern County Superior Court jury had been sworn in for his trial. He also admitted to a prior strike. He had 10 prior convictions for shoplifting and petty theft, making him eligible for a felony charge under Proposition 36. He also had a 2023 strike for assault with a deadly weapon.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man sentenced to 2 years, 8 months after pleading guilty to petty theft
A man convicted of petty theft with two prior convictions was sentenced Thursday to two years and eight months in prison and ordered to pay restitution to his victims, the Kern County District Attorney's Office said Friday. Juventino Espinoza's sentence stemmed from a theft Jan. 2 at the Target store on Mall View Road, according to a news release from the DA's Office. It said he was arrested after taking items including batteries and shavers without paying. Espinoza entered a plea before a Kern County Superior Court jury had been sworn in for his trial. He also admitted to a prior strike. He had 10 prior convictions for shoplifting and petty theft, making him eligible for a felony charge under Proposition 36. He also had a 2023 strike for assault with a deadly weapon.
