Juan Hernandez Esparza Obituary, Death – Family and friends are mourning the loss of a Dallas man who was shot and killed during what police describe as a carjacking. The victim, identified as 34-year-old Juan Hernandez Esparza, died in the early hours of Sunday, August 18, leaving his loved ones devastated.
According to the Dallas Police Department, the incident occurred just before 3:30 a.m. at the Jones Creek apartment complex on Lombardy Lane in Northwest Dallas. Officers arrived at the scene to find Esparza inside his vehicle with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead shortly after.
Court documents later revealed disturbing details about the crime. Esparza had been on a FaceTime call when the events unfolded. A witness reportedly overheard someone ordering him to get out of the car. Moments later, sounds of a struggle were heard, followed by a gunshot. The assailant then fled the scene in Esparza’s recently purchased white Honda.
Family members were left in shock as news of his death spread. His sister, Jasmine Hernandez, described the heartbreak of receiving the call. “The only thing I could think of at the moment was how am I going to tell my mom? I couldn’t believe it,” she said. Jasmine added that she continues to call her brother’s phone, hoping to hear his voice, only to be crushed by the reality that he will never answer again.
Police quickly identified a suspect in the case. Rocky Mejia Jr., 22, was captured after being seen on surveillance footage leaving the scene in Esparza’s stolen car. Authorities have charged him with capital murder in connection to the shooting. Investigators also noted that Mejia has a lengthy arrest history across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with multiple charges over the past five years.
Friends of Esparza said the tragedy is difficult to comprehend, especially because the crime appeared to be motivated by the theft of a car. Engracia Salas, a close friend, revealed that Esparza had only owned the vehicle for about a week. “Over a car? I mean, it’s just not right to take people’s life away just for a simple car,” she said, expressing disbelief and sorrow over the senselessness of the act.
Esparza’s death highlights the deep pain left behind for his family and community. Loved ones described him as someone who was warm, caring, and deeply connected to those around him. His sudden loss, they said, has left a hole in their lives that can never be filled.
While Mejia now faces justice in the court system, for Esparza’s family, the focus remains on coping with the tragedy and remembering the man they lost. His sister’s words reflect the grief many feel: “Honestly, I cannot see my life without my brother.”
The case remains under investigation as police continue to gather evidence. Meanwhile, friends and family hope for accountability while mourning a life cut short over an act of senseless violence.
