Fatal Shooting Incident at Brentwood Park in Chula Vista: Suspect in Custody as Investigation Continues
Originally Published By Chula Vista Police Department
“On Tuesday, October 17th, 2023, at approximately 5:33 p.m., the Chula Vista Police Department received a call of gunshots heard at Brentwood Park, a mobile home community located at 1100 Industrial Blvd. in Chula Vista. The caller added that a white Jeep was seen leaving the area.
Within minutes, a Chula Vista Police Officer driving through the intersection of Broadway and Palomar St. (Chula Vista) was flagged down by the occupants of a white Jeep Compass. The officer contacted them and confirmed it was related to the initial call at Brentwood Park. Two people inside the vehicle had been shot. One was a 21-year-old male and the other was a 17-year-old male. Officers provided lifesaving measures until medics arrived on scene and transported the two to a hospital where, unfortunately the 21-year-old succumbed to his injuries and passed away. The 17-year-old was last listed as being in stable condition.
Officers continued to Brentwood Park where they found evidence of a shooting. Detectives were called to the scene and shortly after the investigation began, officers determined the suspect was 20-year-old Kai Espinoza, a resident of the mobile home community at Brentwood Park. Prior to making contact at his home, due to the violent nature of the incident and the weapons involved, authorities took safety precautions by calling on additional resources, including SWAT, the UAS (Drone) Team, and the Crisis Negotiation Team. Eventually, announcements were made to have all occupants exit the home. Those inside the home complied with commands and officers were able to enter without incident. It was determined Espinoza was not in the home. Authorities conducted a search and gathered additional evidence prior to leaving the scene.
Upon learning the identity of the suspect, the Chula Vista Police Department worked with regional law enforcement partners to conduct an active search for Espinoza. At approximately 2:30 p.m., Espinoza turned himself in at the Chula Vista Police Department and was placed under arrest.
This case is an active investigation with much yet to be determined. The names of the victims are being withheld until family members can be properly notified. We ask for your patience while we continue to gather information and speak with witnesses. Anyone with information on this case, or who can provide additional evidence, is asked to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or submit a tip via P3tips (online or mobile application) http://p3tips.com/409 if they wish to remain anonymous”
