Late-night gunfire on Port Aransas Beach on March 11, 2024, left 22-year-old Kristopher Wayne Welder of Ingleside dead and another 19-year-old man wounded. Authorities responding to officers dispersing a large crowd heard about ten shots near mile marker 42; Welder was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and died after being taken to a Corpus Christi hospital. About six minutes later a 911 caller reported more shots near mile marker 27; officers located the 19-year-old with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Investigators say that victim had also been shot near mile marker 42 and was moved to the second site by an acquaintance and was expected to survive after surgery.

Police identified 26-year-old Francisco Espinoza as the suspect and described him as a heavy-set, light-complected Hispanic male last seen driving a gray or silver vehicle, possibly a newer-model BMW with dark rims. Two warrants were issued: murder for Welder with bond set at $750,000 and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for the 19-year-old with bond set at $250,000. Reports indicate Espinoza and Welder were acquainted and investigators believed a personal vendetta was the motive. Anyone with information about the shooting or the victims is asked to come forward.