On February 11, 2022, 21-year-old Jose Adali Bustos Espino was fatally shot in Little Rock, Arkansas. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. in the 10,000 block of Mabelvale Pike. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers discovered Jose and his brother, Omar Bustos, both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Jose was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Omar was also hospitalized and reported to be in critical condition.
Following a preliminary investigation, authorities identified 21-year-old Gerardo Castanon as a suspect in the shooting. Castanon was charged with first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. He was arrested and held in the Pulaski County jail.
The tragic event left the community mourning the loss of a young life and the injury of another. Jose was remembered for his love of playing Xbox and spending time with his brother. He was also known for his close bond with his dog, Ioc, who accompanied him everywhere. Jose was preceded in death by his grandmother, Reyna Leon Bustos, and is survived by his mother, Yuri Espino; siblings, Omar Israel Bustos Espino, Alan Alexander Mayagoitia, and Shilou Isabella Avalos; and his girlfriend, Giselle Valencia.
