Hallock, Minnesota Murder Victim Identified, Bail Set For Suspect

HALLOCK, Minn. (KVRR) — The family of Justin Esparza has started a GoFundMe account to bring the murder victim’s body back to St. Paul.

They say the 43-year-old man was murdered in Hallock, Minnesota on Thursday where he lived alone.

23-year-old Jordan Hanson of Kennedy was arrested shortly after the incident and taken to Kittson County jail.

She is charged with murder in the second degree and murder in the third degree.

Court documents reveal Hanson’s mother called the sheriff’s office around 1:30 Thursday afternoon to report that her daughter said she shot a man in the head.

Hanson had left a treatment center for drugs and was picked up during the night and came back to Kittson County.

While talking to authorities, she said she had the victim’s car and dog and sounded like she was under the influence of drugs.

Officers interview Edwin Jans who told them he was at the house smoking meth with Esparaz and Hanson and that he had witnessed Hanson shoot Esparza.

A Smith and Wesson 9 mm was found near the body, and a casing was on the floor next to the couch.

On Friday, Hanson’s bail was set at $200,000 cash with no conditions or $2 million non-cash bond with no conditions.

Minnesota BCA is assisting with the investigation.

A link to the GoFundMe account is here.