Zashaun Espinoza dies in fatal Westwego shooting

Zashaun Espinoza dies in fatal Westwego shooting

Fatal Westwego shooting death of Zashaun Espinoza – Obituary

Zashaun Espinoza, 26, was killed Wednesday afternoon in a shooting at Fred Dorsey Playground in Westwego. According to police, the suspect later returned to the scene dressed only in a towel and was taken into custody.

Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Byron Spottsville of Westwego in connection with the fatal shooting. He faces charges of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice, Westwego Police Department spokesperson Capt. Eric Orlando reported.

The incident took place around 1:35 p.m. at a covered basketball court on Norton Street. Responding officers found Espinoza with several gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Eyewitnesses described a man fleeing the area, and shortly afterward, police were informed that someone matching the shooter’s description had returned to the playground wrapped in a towel. Officers apprehended the man, later identified as Spottsville.

Initially denying involvement, Spottsville later admitted to shooting Espinoza, claiming he believed the victim was armed. No weapon was found on Espinoza, and authorities have not released further details on a potential motive.

Spottsville led police to a wooded spot where he had hidden the firearm and discarded his clothes. He said he picked up the towel from a nearby home’s porch.

He was booked into Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna, where he is being held without bond.