Edinburg Man Arrested After Allegedly Shooting Through Wall Where Child Slept, Assaulting Wife
Staff Report
EDINBURG TX — A 37-year-old Edinburg man has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses after allegedly assaulting his common-law wife and endangering their children, according to the Edinburg Police Department.
Police responded to the Edinburg CISD Alternative Education Program (AEP) Campus at 1306 E. Schunior St. at approximately 12:25 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, after the victim managed to alert school police about the ongoing abuse.
The victim told officers that Jose Antonio Esparza Serrato had physically assaulted her multiple times, held a firearm to her head, and at one point fired a shot 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 during the incident.
She stated that the violence began around 3 a.m. at their home on Verbena Street, when Serrato confronted her over text messages. Later, he took her to a hospital due to severe rib pain but forced her to lie about her injuries, threatening to kill her if she reported the assault.
Upon returning home, she said he resumed the attack, using a baton, and displayed a folding knife while making further threats. She also alleged that he handcuffed her, burned her clothes and $70,000 in cash, and prevented her from leaving.
Later in the day, Serrato drove the victim to the ECISD AEP Campus to disenroll their son, allegedly intending to force her to return to Mexico with him. At that moment, she was able to alert ECISD Police, who immediately contacted Edinburg Police.
Officers went to the Verbena Street residence, located Serrato, and arrested him after confirming the victim’s claims.
Charges Filed Against Serrato
- 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.
Authorities urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help by contacting local law enforcement or support services.
Source — Edinburg Police Department