Update on Incident at 3705 Beauchamp

October 30, 2006 -- One suspect has been arrested and charged for his role in the fatal shooting of a woman at 3705 Beauchamp about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 28). The shooting incident will be referred to a Harris County grand jury.

The suspect, Rigoberto Espino-Rico (H/m, DOB 4-18-80) is charged with tampering with evidence, a felony, in the 208th State District Court. The charge was filed in the killing of Irene Martinez, 43, of 1208 Edwards. She was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Initially, investigators detained Espino-Rico and two other men, ages 64 and 32. Each was questioned by investigators.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant R. Olivo and Officer K. Carr reported:

The victim and her boyfriend were walking on the sidewalk in the 3700 block of Beauchamp when three to five shots were heard. The woman was struck one time
on her left side. Her boyfriend ran to an area business on North Main Street and called for an ambulance. The woman was then taken to the hospital.

When the first police officers arrived on the scene, they learned the shots had come from Ramon's Auto Repair at 215 Pecore, near the corner of Beauchamp. After looking on the site of the repair shop, officers confirmed the shots had originated there. It was later learned three males associated with the repair shop were drinking and conducting target practice with a pellet gun and a firearm. The three males were identified by witnesses and detained by homicide investigators.

Following interviews with investigators, Espino-Rico was charged with tampering / fabricating of evidence.

Update JFC/GO 10-30-06
JFC 10-29-06
Inc #166947306

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division a 713-308-3200.