Edinburg Man Arrested on Multiple Charges Following Domestic Violence Incident
Staff Report
EDINBURG — A 37-year-old Edinburg man has been arrested on multiple charges, including aggravated assault and child endangerment, following a violent domestic incident that unfolded over several hours, according to the Edinburg Police Department.
The suspect, Jose Antonio Esparza Serrato, was taken into custody on Friday, February 28, 2025, after the victim managed to alert ECISD Police while at the ECISD AEP Campus at 1306 E. Schunior Rd.
According to police reports, the victim stated that the abuse began around 3 a.m. at their home on Verbena Street when Serrato confronted her over text messages. She reported that he physically assaulted her, held a firearm to her head, and fired a round into a wall while she was holding their 3-year-old child. Their 9-year-old child was reportedly sleeping on the other side of the wall.
The victim was later taken to a hospital by Serrato due to severe rib pain but, out of fear, initially claimed she had fallen down the stairs. She stated that he threatened to kill her if she reported the assault.
Upon returning home, the victim said Serrato resumed the attack, this time using a baton and displaying a folding knife while continuing to make threats. She also reported that he handcuffed her, burned her clothes and $70,000 in cash she had saved since 2011, and prevented her from leaving.
Serrato later took the victim to the ECISD AEP Campus, where he attempted to disenroll their son and force her to leave for Mexico with him. She was able to alert school police, who immediately contacted Edinburg Police.
Officers responded to the home on Verbena Street, located Serrato, and placed him under arrest. He was charged with:
- Three counts of Aggravated Assault
- Two counts of Endangering a Child
- One count of Unlawful Restraint
- One count of Criminal Mischief
Serrato was arraigned and received a total bond of $240,000.
The Edinburg Police Department commended the swift actions of ECISD Police and all officers involved in ensuring the victim’s safety. Authorities encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help by contacting local law enforcement or support services.
Source — Edinburg Police Department