http://www.ispokewithmychild.com


                                              
                         
        
        
 






                                                
Mark's Dad got this tattoo in memory of him. He is planning on getting another one in the near future also. 







Mark's dog Mack. Mack is always looking for Mark wherever he goes. He sees people in cars while he's on a walk and keeps looking for his buddy he misses so much. Mack misses Markie very much, he thinks of him always. 

Mark was born on December 29, 1984 in New York. I was so happy to finally get to see my little boy. Mark wasn't able to come home from the hospital right away as he had some complications. After several weeks, my bundle of joy was home with me. He still continued to have complications and as I had a nurse come over and help me with him, she told me to take him to the hospital again and have him checked out. When we arrived, they took him right in and told me if I would have waited any longer, he would have died. I cried in the doctors office as I could not imagine my life without Mark. After he had surgery, things were looking a lot better, except for one set back when he had to be admitted again. After that, he was fine.

As Mark grew up, he did so many wonderful things that I will never forget. I remember taking him to the movies and the park almost everyday. I had a child seat on back of my bike and he loved to go riding everyday. I used to get him a little toy almost everyday we went to the store. 

I can recall one day he was playing outside and came inside crying. I had thought he was hurt, but he said he dropped his twinkie and wanted me to wash it. I told him that we couldn't wash it and gave him a new one. One evening I asked Mark what he wanted for dinner and he told me chicken. I asked him several times what kind of chicken and he finally looked at me and flapped his arms up and down and said " bock bock". His dad and I will always remember him doing that. 

Mark was so happy when his dad bought him a little dirt bike. He was such a fast learner and always wanted to go motor cycle riding every chance he could. As he got older, he wanted to go and ride to get hurt. He had no fear at all. He also loved to go jetskiing. We would go out and ride all day long. 


Mark grew up into a fine young man. There are so many things that I want to say about my son, I honestly don't know where to begin. Mark loved going to school when he was growing up and he graduated in 2002 from Royal Sunset H.S. in Hayward, CA. When he took his graduation pictures, the photographer made him laugh and the whole school said he took the best picture. He was so handsome. I even had tears coming down my face as I watched him take his pictures as I was so happy and proud of him to be graduating. Mark never knew this.

At the age of eightteen, Mark became a father to his son, Mark Anthony Espinal Jr. He was so happy and proud. I'll never forget the look on his face. I can recall one day he was listening to his baby coo on the phone and he let me listen. The smile on my son's face was from ear to ear. He loved his child and he always told me how much.
     
Mark started working at UPS in Oakland, CA about a year before he was murdered. He really enjoyed it there and used to always tell us that when he wasn't at work, they would tell him that it would take a few guys to do what he would do all by himself. Mark was a very good and hard worker.  He used to help his dad on some jobs too. I remember one job they were doing in Monterery. Mark was eager to go and earn some money. He helped out a lot and even cooked dinner there for his Dad and a good friend named Roger.


                                   
                                                                   
                                                                             


A child that loses a parent is an orphan,
A man who loses his wife is a widower,
A woman who loses her husband is a widow,
There is no name for a parent that loses a child,
For there is no word to describe the pain
                             
http://www.poofcat.com/gone2soon.html

                                    


                                                       

I'll never forget the tragic night when I woke up to screams of my husband saying he thinks that Mark has been shot. I jumped out of bed and grabbed the phone, dialing 911. There were a few neighbors outside and one of them told me that I did not want to see my son like that. I don't even know how I went into our driveway to be with Mark. I don't remember much at all. I do remember laying down with Mark in the driveway and holding his hand. I kissed him and told him I love him and he would be okay. After helped arrived, I was told to go inside my home. I remember asking the first officer that arrived on the scene to please not let my child die. I'm not sure of when  I was told Mark was no longer with me and can't remember anything else. I wish so badly to wake up from this nightmare and to see my precious child again. 

Mark was being dropped off at home a few minutes past midnight when he was murdered. The people that were with him were supposed to be his friends. He only knew them for a few months. There were 3 guys and 1 girl. All of them left him to die in his own driveway, except for one kid. He was just getting in the car when he saw Mark's dad at the door screaming for Mark to get inside the house if he was outside. For some reason, that kid got back out of the car and went into our driveway again. With my husband standing at the front door, not knowing what was going on saw this kid bend down and say my son's name. He told Mark to get up and let's go. That's when Mark's dad screamed that he thinks Mark had been shot. 

There are so many different stories on what really occured in our driveway that I have accepted in some sort of way that I will never really know what happened to my child. I truly hope that Mark did not know what was going on and he did not feel any pain. That hurts me so much to even think my son was in pain for even a second. 

We have put reward posters in so many places in hopes that someone with a heart will come forward with information as the 4 people with him say they do not know who killed my son. We do have a couple of sketches of the persons responsible, but still no solid leads to an arrest and conviction. We had a billboard go up in 2004 also with Mark's picture on it and asking the community to please help us in finding who murdered our son. No leads on that either. 

I realize that the kids nowadays feel as if they are "snitching" as they call it, if they come forward, but they are not. They think that they will get killed if they tell on the person that killed my son. There are ways to let us know and you don't even have to leave your name. I wish someone would let the authorities know as I need to know who did this to my child and my family. 

Mark had so many things to live for and I miss him terribly. If I could turn back time, I would surely take his place. Unfortunately, I can not do that, so I have to live the rest of my life in pain without him. I think of Mark everyday. There hasn't been a day that I haven't thought of him. I love and miss him so much.

Click on the link below.
http://www.andiesisle.com/icanonlyimagine.html
                                                   


                                                      

$20,000.00 Reward
ALAMEDA COUNTY SHERIFF'S
OFFICE
Request Your Assistance!


Mark Anthony Espinal (pictured above) was shot to death in front of his home on 167th Avenue in San Leandro on February 3, 2004. Investigators believe that two black males are responsible for his death and are requesting assistance from the community.

Suspect number one is described as a black male adult, about eighteen to twenty years old, six feet one inches to six feet two inches tall, dark skinned, 130 150 pounds, slender build. Suspect number two is described as a Black male adult, medium complexion, about eighteen to twenty years old, five feet six inches to five feet seven inches tall, black hair.

Please call one of the following numbers if you can assist the Sheriffs Office and the victim's family with information.

Sheriff's Office 24 hour phone line (510) 667 7721
Lead Detective P. Norton (510) 667 3666

Sergeant S. Dudek (510) 667 7478
Contact us via e-mail: markanthonyespinal@markanthonyespinal.com
Please sign Mark's guest book
http://www.legacy.com/insidebayarea/Guestbook.asp?Page=Guestbook&PersonID=1906144







Mark Anthony Espinal
MARK ANTHONY ESPINAL Entered tragically into rest on February 3, 2004. He was 19 years old. Born in New York on December 29, 1984, Mark was a warehouseman for U.P.S. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed riding motorcycles, jet skiing, music, art and paintball. Mark was treasured by all who knew him and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his beloved son, Mark A. Espinal Jr. of San Lorenzo; mother and stepfather, Randi Lynn & Mark Butterworth of San Leandro; sister, Alyssa L. Butterworth of San Leandro; grandfather, Joaquin Espinal and grandmother, Ida Roman, both of New York; step-grandfather, Ronald Butterworth of Alameda; many loving extended family and cherished friends. Family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of Mark's life at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary, 267 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo. In lieu of flowers, a trust fund has been established for Mark Jr. Donations may be sent to Mark Espinal, Jr., c/o Bank of America, 1200 Fairmont Dr., San Leandro, CA 94578. GRISSOM'S CHAPEL & MORTUARY 510-278-2800 www.grissomsmortuary.co-
Published in the ANG Newspapers on 2/7/2004. 



                                                      



San Leandro Father Gunned Down In Driveway
POSTED: 10:47 am PST February 3, 2004
SAN LEANDRO -- Alameda County Sheriff's officials said a 19-year-old man was shot and killed in front of his home in unincorporated San Leandro early Tuesday after getting into an argument with two men.
Video


Video On Demand: Tearful Family Makes Plea In Fatal San Leandro Shooting
Sheriff's officials said they received a report of shots fired in the 1500 block of 167th Avenue at 12:18 a.m.
Units that arrived on the scene found Mark Anthony Espinal lying in the driveway of a residence. Sheriff's officials said Espinal sustained multiple gun shot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheriff's officials said they later learned that several friends dropped off Espinal in front of his residence just before the incident. They said Espinal immediately became involved in an argument with two black males who were walking on the sidewalk.
The argument ended when one of the two suspects shot the victim, authorities said. The suspects then fled eastbound on 167th Avenue toward Liberty Street. No suspect vehicle was seen leaving the area.
Sheriff's officials describe one of the suspects as a black male adult, about 18 to 20 years old, 6 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 2 inches tall, dark-skinned, 130 to 150 pounds, and slender build. He was wearing a red pullover, black or dark blue pants and a black or dark blue beanie.
The second suspect is described as a black male adult, medium-complected, about 18 to 20 years old, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall, with black hair. He was wearing dark blue pants, a navy peacoat, and a dark-hooded sweatshirt-type jacket.
Copyright 2005 by Bay City News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Espinal, Mark, murdered Feb. 3, 2004, age 19; Ashland resident; son Mark Jr.; mother and stepfather Randi and Mark Butterworth.



________________________________________
SAN LEANDRO
Father, 19, shot, slain in front of home
Henry K. Lee
Wednesday, February 4, 2004

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A man was shot and killed in front of his home in unincorporated San Leandro during an argument early Tuesday, authorities said.
Mark Anthony Espinal, 19, was shot numerous times about 12:15 a.m. on the 1500 block of 167th Avenue. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Espinal, the father of a 1-year-old boy, had just been dropped off at his home when he began arguing with two men walking on the sidewalk, said Alameda County Sheriff's Sgt. Scott Dudek.
No arrest has been made.
Page A - 18 


                                                                         

SAN LEANDRO
Family seeks tips in man's slaying
Henry K. Lee
Thursday, August 26, 2004

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• Email This Article

The family of a man fatally shot in the driveway of his home in unincorporated San Leandro handed out flyers Wednesday seeking tips in the unsolved slaying.
Mark Anthony Espinal, 19, was shot repeatedly about 12:15 a.m. Feb 3 outside his home on 167th Avenue. Espinal, the father of a 1-year-old boy, had just arrived home when he began arguing with two men walking on the sidewalk, said Alameda County Sheriff's Sgt. Scott Dudek.
Family members and sheriff's deputies passed out flyers near the corner of 167th Avenue and Liberty Street near Interstate 580.
A $5,000 reward is being offered for tips leading to an arrest and prosecution. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Pete Norton at (510) 667-3666 



Two men sought in fatal shooting

By Ivan Delventhal, STAFF WRITER
Inside Bay Area

Drawing on the memories of several witnesses, investigators on Wednesday released sketches of two men sought in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old man slain in front of his family home in Ashland in February.
Mark Anthony Espinal was shot multiple times in the driveway of the home, in the 1500 block of 167th Avenue, about 12:18 a.m. on Feb. 3.
Alameda County sheriff's detectives believe the shooting occurred during an argument and struggle outside the home that pitted two men against Espinal and four friends. The gunman and a companion, who authorities say might ultimately be deemed a witness in the case, fled on foot after the shooting and remain at large. The motive for the argument remains under investigation, authorities said.
Sgt. Scott Dudek said the drawings had been prepared by composite sketch artist Jim Ruiz, who worked with several witnesses who had recently come forward.
"This could be the break we've been looking for," Dudek said Wednesday.
The suspects are described as two African-American men, about 18 to 20 years old, who wore removable gold caps on their front teeth. The first suspect, the alleged gunman, is described as about 6 feet 1 inch tall, and 130 to 150 pounds. He had a slender build and was wearing a red pullover jacket, dark pants and a dark knit cap.
The second man — who investigators say may not have known his companion intended to shoot Espinal — is described 5 feet 6 to 5 feet 7 inches tall. He was wearing dark pants, a navy pea coat and a dark hat. His hair was in dread locks twists with possible blond tips. He may have been injured in the incident 




                                               
                                                   

                                      


MURDERED MAN'S FAMILY TO HAND OUT FLIERS IN SAN LEANDRO
03/30/05 2:35 PST
After more than a year with no suspects in custody for the killing of a 19-year-old San Leandro man in front of his home in February 2004, the family and Alameda County sheriff's deputies will hand out fliers with composite sketches of the suspects this evening.
Just after midnight on Feb. 3, 2004, the Alameda County Sheriff's Office received reports of shots fired in the 1500 block of 167th Avenue, in an unincorporated area of San Leandro.
When deputies arrived on the scene, sheriff's officials reported finding Mark Anthony Espinal lying in the driveway of his home with multiple gunshot wounds.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The family of Espinal handed out fliers in August with descriptions of the suspects, hoping to drum up some leads in the case.
In December, after several witnesses came forward, the sheriff's office released composite sketches of two men wanted in connection with the shooting.
The suspect who reportedly shot Espinal is described as an 18- to 20-year-old black man, 6 feet 1 inch to 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 130-150 pounds. Officials said he has a dark complexion and was wearing a red pullover, black or dark blue pants, and a black or dark blue beanie.
The second suspect also is described as a black man, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall. Officials said his hair was in numerous small twist dreadlocks, and he was wearing dark pants, a navy peacoat and a dark hooded sweatshirt.
Both suspects are described as being about 18 to 20 years old with removable gold caps on their front teeth.
The family and sheriff's office are again hoping that by handing out fliers in the community, someone will come forward with information on the case.
Sheriff's personnel and the Espinal family will be on the corner of 167th Avenue and Liberty Street from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. handing out fliers.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at (510) 667-7721 or the anonymous tip line at (510) 667-3622 




The Angels
Did the angels come from heaven
To help you through that night
Did they feel your terror
And take away your fright
Did the angels bear the pain
That was being done to you
Did they hear your cries of fear
And stay to help you through
Did the angels hold you tightly
The way I would have done
Did they know how I would feel
And wish they were the one
Did the angels cry out loudly
For the unjustness of your plight
Did they call Lord Jesus
And lead you to the light
Did the angels softly kiss your cheek
Before you took your leave
Did they remind you how I loved you so
And forever more I’d grieve
Did the angels whisper in your ear
Don’t worry you will not go alone
Did they know part of me went with you
The day God called you home 





Article Last Updated: 12/26/2004 08:21 AM


2004: The year in homicides
Eighteen people were slain in Hayward, San Leandro and unincorporated Alameda County
By Ivan Delventhal, STAFF WRITER
Inside Bay Area

HAYWARD — Murder. The unlawful taking of a human life with malice aforethought.
As the year comes to a close, 18 people met violent deaths in Hayward, San Leandro and unincorporated Alameda County.
Nine people — eight men and one woman — were killed in Hayward in 2004. Six people — five men and an 18-year-old woman — were killed in unincorporated Alameda County, including one man fatally shot by a CHP officer in Sunol. Three people — two men and a woman — were slain in San Leandro.
Of the 18 local homicides, 15 resulted from shootings. Of the remaining three, one person was asphyxiated, another was strangled and a third died when a pursuing car pushed the vehicle she was riding in off the road in Castro Valley.
The number of people killed was very similar to the total from a year earlier, when the same agencies had a combined total of 17 homicides.
Hayward has averaged 10 homicides annually over the last five years. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office, which provides police services to unincorporated areas including Castro Valley and San Lorenzo, has investigated about three slayings per year over the last five years, though nine were recorded in the county in 2003. San Leandro has had about four slayings per year over the last five years.
The U.S. murder rate in 2002 — the latest year for which complete numbers are available — was 5.7 slayings for every 100,000 people, based on a total of
16,503 homicides nationwide that year, according to FBI crime data.
Census figures show that Hayward has a population of 140,000 and San Leandro 80,000.
Success for homicide squads is measured in the number of cases "cleared" — those slayings in which a suspect is arrested and charged and turned over for prosecution, or is positively identified and located and there is enough evidence to support an arrest.
Hayward police cleared two of nine homicides, for a clearance rate of about 22 percent; sheriff's investigators cleared five of six slayings, or 83 percent; and San Leandro has cleared one of its three homicides.
In the last year, law enforcement
agencies across the country cleared, on average, 62.5 percent of reported murders, according to FBI statistics.
Local police investigators said that,for the most part, even in cases that are open, they generally have an idea of who is responsible, just not enough evidence to support the filing of murder charges.
In many cases, the hindrance involves witnesses' unwillingness to come forward.
In a series of year-end interviews, local investigators discussed the year's homicide cases, both solved and unsolved.
The cases
On Jan. 18, David W. Brooks, 45, and his wife, Cathleen L. Brooks, 50, were found shot to death in their home on East 12th Street in South Hayward. The double-homicide remains unsolved and the motive has not been revealed. Though witnesses have been "less than forthcoming," police remain confident the case will be solved.
On Feb. 3, Mark A. Espinal, 19, was shot in front of the Ashland home in which he lived with his family.
Investigators believe he was shot execution-style after a confrontation and struggle. The slaying remains unsolved although investigators recently released sketches of the gunman and his companion.
On April 13, Rene Cuevas, 35, was fatally shot by his cousin Manuel Castillo Cuevas, 38, in the home they shared on Western Boulevard in Hayward. Manuel Cuevas was convicted of second-degree murder in July and may be sentenced in January.
On April 24, Jaden E. Soto, 24, of Fremont was shot and killed by a California Highway Patrol officer after, authorities said, he pointed a gun at officers.
On May 21, Jose Guadalupe Sanchez, 18, of Hayward was fatally shot on Orlando Avenue in Hayward. Investigators believe the homicide may be gang-related, even though the victim himself may not have had gang ties.
On May 28, Shenise McLemore, 22, was found asphyxiated in a room at the Islander Motel in San Leandro.
Police have identified a 28-year-old convicted rapist from Oakland as a suspect in the case, but say there is not enough evidence to file charges.
On June 22, Jose Munguia, 23, of Bay Point was found shot to death in a field off Mountain House Road in Livermore. Sinohe Hercules, 23, of Stockton was arrested in October and charged with murder in Munguia's death.
Investigators said Munguia was shot during an argument.
Also on June 22, Michelle M. Dickerson, 18, of Manteca died when the car she was riding in was allegedly rammed off the road in Castro Valley by Laura D. Medina, the driver of the pursuing vehicle. Medina, 21, of Oakland, was charged with murder and remains in custody on $2 million bail.
Court records state that Medina allegedly pursued and rammed the other car after spotting her boyfriend in it with Dickerson. Medina has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting a preliminary hearing.
On Aug. 21, Joey Manfredi, 32, of Hayward was shot and killed in a home on Tehama Avenue in Hayward.
The slaying came to light several days later when a man who disposed of Manfredi's corpse in rural Calaveras County went to police. Two women, Nancy E. Manuel, 43, and Celia L. Widman, 37, have been charged with murder in the case. They have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting a preliminary hearing.
On Sept. 11, Jeff Lee Arroyo, 45, of Castro Valley was shot and killed in his car on 163rd Avenue and Helo Drive.
In November, 23-year-old Joe Moore was arrested and charged with special-circumstance murder in Arroyo's death.
Moore is accused of shooting Arroyo during a robbery.
On Sept. 13, Benito Torres Maldonado, 39, of Union City was found shot to death on a sidewalk near the Chapel of the Chimes in South Hayward. Investigators said the slaying may have resulted from a "parting of friendships."
On Sept. 24, William Simpson, 27, of Oakland and a companion were shot as they waited for a ride at a bus stop on East 14th Street near Bayfair Center in San Leandro. Simpson died; his friend survived. The shooting remains unsolved and witnesses have been uncooperative, police said.
On Sept. 29, Ramon Latre, a 50-year-old transient, was shot to death in a mini-park at Jackson and Meek streets in Hayward. The killing is unsolved, though investigators said recently they had developed some very good leads.
On Oct. 20, James K. Wooldridge, 32, was fatally shot in a parking lot at Tyrrell Elementary School in Hayward. Some solid leads have emerged, according to investigators, though no arrests have been made.
On Nov. 7, Dong Tran, 50, was found strangled at the independent living psychiatric home at which he was a resident. A roommate, Michael Scott Diamond, 35, was charged with murder. Diamond, according to family, has battled bipolar disorder and schizophrenia for 20 years.
On Nov. 25, Alberto Vazquez Gonzalez, 32, was fatally shot on Thelma Street in Hayward. Investigators have since secured a warrant for the arrest of the alleged gunman, identified as 27-year-old Miguel Angel Valencia.
On Dec. 4, Ruben Arturo Perez, 26, of San Leandro was shot and killed on a San Leandro street.
The alleged gunman, identified by police as Adam Galvan, 20, surrendered to police about a week later and has been charged with murder.
Ivan Delventhal covers crime, police and courts. Call him at (510) 293-2469 or send e-mail to idelventhal@dailyreviewonline.com. 




 
  May this candle burn forever
in memory of you, Markie.
Always Loved, Never Forgotten



Thank you to Isabella's Mom Clores for making this beautiful picture.





Grief remains fresh one year after killing
Family wants justice; investigators say they have leads in Ashland slaying
By Ivan Delventhal, STAFF WRITER
Inside Bay Area

Randi Butterworth says she stopped living one year ago today.
For the past 12 months, she has just been existing.
Life as she knew it ended Feb. 3, 2004, with the fatal shooting of her 19-year-old son, Mark Anthony Espinal, in front of the family home in unincorporated San Leandro. The slaying remains unsolved.
Justice, and closure, can't come soon enough, Butterworth said. A $10,000 reward is being offered for the arrest and conviction of the killers.
"I died in so many ways when Mark was taken from me," Butterworth, 36, said Wednesday on the eve of the somber anniversary. "He's the first person I think of when I wake up and the last person I think of when I go to sleep."
Alameda County sheriff's detectives have said the shooting in front of the home on 167th Avenue in Ashland occurred during an argument and struggle with two men as Espinal was being dropped off by some friends.
The timing of Espinal's death was especially cruel. Three days after he was gunned down, his family's offer on a new house was accepted. They have moved since the killing.
Family members said that while Espinal had had some brushes with the law as a youth, he was on the right track at the time of his death.
He was born in New York and had lived locally for 17 years. He graduated from Royal SunsetHigh School in 2002 and was working as a warehouse loader for UPS when he was slain. Espinal's son, Mark Espinal Jr., recently turned 2.
Tonight, the family will gather to remember Espinal and indulge in his favorite foods: chicken tacos, bacon cheeseburgers, Skittles, Starburst and licorice.
Butterworth hopes that somehow, someday, she will be able to stop dwelling on the final moments of her son's life.
"I have 19 years of memories, but his death I can't get over," said Butterworth, who had her son at 16.
Butterworth, a receptionist, is still holding on to some of the things her son treasured. One item is a 1969 Chevy Impala, "his dream car," given to him by his father as a Christmas present several years ago. He had done body work on the classic car. Now Butterworth wants to finish the restoration job.
Espinal's sister, 13-year-old Alyssa Butterworth, said she prays that justice isn't far off.
"I still feel that there are a lot of people out there that know who did this and who should come forward," she said. "I just want to know why. That's the main question. Why? Why him?"
Sheriff's Sgt. Scott Dudek said Wednesday that detectives are pursuing some "significant and promising" leads in the case.
"We're hoping to make an arrest in this case in the very near future," Dudek said. He declined to elaborate.
Investigators are seeking two men in connection with the shooting. They are described as African American, about 18 to 20 years old, both with removable gold caps on their front teeth.
The gunman is described as about 6 foot 1, 130 to 150 pounds. The second man was about 5 foot 7 and had his hair styled in dreadlocks. Investigators released sketches of the men in December.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Pete Norton at (510) 667-3666.
A Web site established in Espinal's memory can be accessed at www.markanthonyespinal.com.
Ivan Delventhal covers crime and the courts. Call him at (510) 293-2469 or send e-mail to idelventhal@dailyreviewonline.com. 





                                                 



Made by Kathie in memory of Krystal 





E. B. Publishing > San Leandro Times > News Story


Mother Pleads for Help in Finding Son's Killers
By : Linda Sandsmark : 1/31/06

A sad anniversary is approaching for the family of Mark Anthony Espinal, a young man who was gunned down in unincorporated San Leandro two years ago.


Police released these composite sketches of the suspects in Espinal's murder.
No one has been arrested for the Feb. 3, 2004 murder, and his mother is still hoping that someone will help detectives solve the case. A $20,000 reward and anonymous tip line are available.

“It has been a very long two years for all of us, and we desperately want to know what happened to Mark that early morning in the driveway of our home,” says his mother, Randi Butterworth. “I just hope that somebody will help my family to help us find out who ended Mark’s life. I really pray that everyone will take a moment and think back almost two years ago on that tragic night.”

Butterworth says that she believes someone knows what happened to her son but are afraid to come forward. She says they have nothing to fear because they can remain anonymous. It is also possible that someone saw something but did not think it important at the time. But sometimes what seems incidental can be crucial to an investigation.

The shooting occurred about 12:18 a.m. in front of Butterworth’s home on the 1500 block of 167th Avenue. Alameda County Sheriff’s deputies found Espinal on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. According to the Sheriff’s department, two African American males had gotten into an argument with Espinal, which ended in Espinal’s shooting.

Composite sketches of the suspects have been released by investigators. Both were described as 18 to 20 years old, dark skinned with removable gold caps on their teeth. The shooter is described as 6 feet 1 inch, to 6 feet 2 inches, 130 to 150 pounds with a slender build. He was wearing a red pullover jacket, dark pants and dark beanie.

The second suspect was shorter, 5 feet 6, to 5 feet 7 inches tall, wearing a navy pea coat, dark pants, and dark hat. At the time his hair was in numerous dreadlocks with possible blond tips.

The anonymous tip line number is 667-3622, lead detective on the case is Det. Pete Norton, 667-3666, and Sgt. Scott Dudek may also be reached at 667-3661.

Espinal leaves behind his parents, a sister in high school, and a young son.

“Mark was a real person with a family that loved and still loves him dearly,” says his mother. “I realize that finding the person or persons responsible will never bring my son back to us, but if and when they are caught I want them to know what they did to my son, to my family, and to so many others. When they killed my son, they killed me in so many ways.”



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Painful memory haunts mother
Oakland Tribune, Feb 5, 2006 by Ricci Graham, STAFF WRITER


SAN LEANDRO -- The sight of a mother with her child deepens Randi Butterworth's pain and serves as a constant reminder of her family's loss.

It's been that way since the day Butterworth's son -- Mark Anthony Espinal -- was shot and killed in front of her family's home on 167th Avenue two years ago.

"When I see young kids walking with their moms, I think about what he was like when he was small," Butterworth said. "I think about his death so much that sometimes it kind of interferes with the good memories.

"It's the most difficult thing in my life that I have had to go through. It's been two years. I know he's gone, but I guess in my heart, I still can't believe it."

Butterworth's tranquil life was shattered beyond reason on Feb. 3, 2004.

Sgt. Scott Dudek, a homicide detective for the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, said that before the shooting Espinal had argued and struggled with two unknown assailants, described as African- American males.

Butterworth has anxiously waited for an arrest in the case so she can close this painful chapter in her life. But as the days turned into months, Butterworth became fearful the crime will never be solved.

"When the people are arrested, I know that's not going to bring him back," said Butterworth, who along with her husband, Mark, was asleep when the shooting occurred. "But I want them to realize what they did, and they need to pay for what they did."

As police continue to search for her son's assailant, Butterworth does what she can to help authorities.

She has circulated thousands of fliers asking for the public's help and is offering a $20,000 reward to anyone with information that will lead to an arrest.

"I just want the community to realize that he was my child, and to think back," Butterworth said. "Maybe they saw something they think was normal activity. It might be crucial to theinvestigation."

Meanwhile, Dudek said investigators are making progress.

"There are leads in that we're pursuing," Dudek said. "We're confident that ... we will make an arrest. We do have leads that are substantial, and we are moving forward."

Since Espinal's death, the family has relocated from the home where the shooting occurred. Butterworth is so shaken by her son's slaying that she refuses to say where she and her family now live.

Butterworth added that she and her daughter Alyssa, 14, have been hit so hard emotionally that they have undergone weekly therapy sessions to learn how to cope with their loss.

"That was so hard for her and it still is," Butterworth said. "It has changed our lives so drastically, it's unbelievable. I really have no word to describe it. It's like you're dying inside."

In making what has become an annual plea for the public's help, Butterworth said she can't imagine there were no witnesses to the shooting.

"It was late at night, and I guess there weren't a lot of people out," she said. "But I know for a fact that there were people out in that neighborhood.

"Someone saw something, either one of the neighbors or maybe someone driving on the street. I don't know how someone can live with themselves and not coming forward."

Anyone with information about the shooting death of Mark Anthony Espinal is urged to call Detective Pete Norton at (510) 667-7478 or Detective Scott Dudek at (510) 667-7478. 






Ashland mother still set on finding son's