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My son, my life.
$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.
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SAN LEANDRO
Family seeks tips in man's slaying
Henry K. Lee
Thursday, August 26, 2004
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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
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 killer
With no new leads, family advertises for witnesses
By Alejandro Alfonso, STAFF WRITER
Article Last Updated:11/24/2006 02:51:45 AM PST
ASHLAND — When Mark Espinal was shot and killed in the driveway of his Ashland home, police were unable to identify who pulled the trigger — even though they believe there were several witnesses to the crime.
Nearly three years later, police have lost the trail of any promising leads, and Espinal's family is still looking for justice. But at least one person is keeping the investigation alive and in the public eye.
Randi Butterworth, Espinal's mother, hasn't given up on finding her son's killer. Her dedication has kept police motivated to find the gunman by reviewing the case every month. And all this month, on a billboard in the community where the murder occurred, she is asking the public to help answer the question: "Do you know who murdered our son, Mark Espinal, on February 3rd, 2004?"
The billboard, near where LewellingBoulevard and East 14th Street meet in Ashland, can be seen from Interstate 238 and offers a $20,000 reward for information. It will be up until the end of November. Butterworth hopes someone with knowledge of the crime will see the picture of her son and give police new leads to follow in the case, which is being worked by the Alameda County Sheriff's cold case unit.
In an unusual move, CBS Outdoor, the billboard's owner, donated the space to Butterworth's cause.
"It is certainly not something we do all the time," said Steve Shinn, a company spokesman. "She was persistent, and it is certainly an appropriate way to
use our medium. We know it can be effective, and I hope it helps generate some leads to who murdered her son."
The billboard was blank when Butterworth approached Shinn with the request. She paid $1,000 for the production of the design by CBS Outdoor and Shinn waived all other costs for keeping the billboard up.
What frustrates Butterworth and detectives is that they know there are people out there with knowledge of what happened, but for some reason those people are not talking. On the night he was killed, Espinal had returned home with four friends. As he pulled into his driveway, two men came up to the car. It is not clear what took place next, but one of the men shot Espinal several times. The four people with Espinal ran from the scene.
Within the first 72 hours, police took statements from the witnesses who said the shooter had been selling drugs in the neighborhood. But as the investigation progressed, cooperation by witnesses died out.
"They just decided it is what it is," said Sgt. Scott Dudek, sheriff's cold case unit. "They've already witnessed them kill someone; perhaps they think, 'If I help the police, I could be killed.'"
Dudek dismisses the fear as derived from television dramas. He said it is rare for a witness in a murder investigation to be killed.
"Basically you have to step up to the plate," he said.
The passage of time can also be crucial to solving a cold case, Dudek said — especially if the case continues to receive public attention — because the guilt of the person holding on to information that may solve the case becomes too much to bear.
"Someone had to have seen something," Butterworth said. "I don't let it die down. I'll call up whoever I have to and do whatever I have to do to remind people that I need to find out who murdered my son."
Mother marks anniversary of son's unsolved slaying
By Alejandro Alfonso, STAFF WRITER
Article Last Updated: 02/05/2007 09:09:20 AM PST
Randi Butterworth (center) of Hayward, mom of murder victim Mark Espinal, releases balloons with others at the Ashland Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, in unincorporated Ashland, Calif. It was the third anniversary of her son's murder. (Jane Tyska/The Daily Review)
ASHLAND — Randi Butterworth awoke three years ago to a parent's worst nightmare: The sound of gunfire brought her out of bed and onto her driveway where her son, Mark Espinal, 19, lay dead from several gunshot wounds.
The homicide remains unsolved.
Since the night of Espinal's death, Butterworth has not been able to rest. She has been relentless in her efforts to find out who killed her son.
"It's very hard. Three years — unbelievable," she said.
To mark the third anniversary of her son's death on Feb. 3, 2004, Butterworth on Saturday released a hundred helium-filled balloons, each containing a piece of paper bearing the address of a Web site she has dedicated to his memory, mark-espinal.memory-of.com.
"I put a lot of my time and effort into finding out who murdered Mark," she said. "My mind is always going, it never sleeps, never stops, because I have to find out who did it. I want the community and the Sheriff's Department to know I'm never leaving, the community will always be reminded of Mark Espinal."
Her restlessness has led her to put up thousands of posters over the years. She is constantly in contact with detectives working on the case. Anyone driving down East 14th Street or on Interstate 238 can see a billboard with Espinal's image, offering a $20,000 reward for information.
"Randi has been relentless in her pursuit to find the murderer," Alameda County Sheriff's Detective Ray Kelly said. "And it is important to the
community that this case gets solved.
"People who know what happened are still in the community," he said. "It will be a community effort that makes or breaks what we do, someone needs to step up, and we will keep them anonymous."
There were four other people in thecar with Espinal when he pulled into the driveway that night; they ran away when he was shot. "Mark's so-called friends," Butterworth calls them. Although they gave limited statements in the 48 hours after the shooting, they have not cooperated with authorities since, adding to Butterworth's frustration.
"Someone out there, they have to know something," she said. "Especially in that community, people are always out, night and day, all hours, and he was with four people, how do you not know?
"I just hope that whoever knows what happened will come forward with information," Butterworth said. "Even if they don't think it's important, it might be the piece of evidence the Sheriff's Department needs to solve the case."
Her own experience has made Butterworth sensitive to what happens in the community when someone is killed.
"This is getting to be so common, people getting murdered, it's so sad" she said.
Whenever she reads about or sees a news report of a murder, she realizes her work to find Mark's killer has become more difficult.
"Every time there is a murder, it really hits home because I've had a child murdered," she said. "And of course I want my son's case to be worked on, but that's not the case. When people are out there killing people, my son's murder gets bumped down to the bottom of the so-called pile."
She likens her struggle to a battle against a rising tide.
Alejandro Alfonso can be reached at (510) 293-2469 or aalfonso@dailyreviewonline.com.
Banners hung to jump-start cold case
Family, sheriff keep up search for teen's killer
By Rachel Cohen, STAFF WRITER
Article Last Updated: 07/13/2007 09:19:26 AM PDT
Click photo to enlargeAlameda County Sheriff Department Sgt. Scott Dudek (right) watches as Mark and Randi Espinal...«1»ASHLAND — Less than a block from where Mark Espinal was shot and killed in the driveway of his home, his parents hung a banner Thursday asking for anyone with information about his slaying to come forward.
On Feb. 3, 2004, Espinal's mother, Randi Butterworth, awoke to a parent's worst nightmare. The sound of gunfire brought her out to her driveway on 167th Avenue, where her son lay dead from gunshot wounds.
Next month will be 31/2years since 19-year-old Espinal was killed. The homicide remains unsolved.
"What the community thinks, what the killer probably thinks, is that we're goingto forget it," Butterworth said. "We're not going anywhere."
Espinal's parents, Randi and Mark Butterworth, hung a 5-foot-long banner in front of the Ashland Community Center at 167th Avenue as well as on the fence next to a bus stop a block away, on East 14th Avenue. It and another banner were created and paid for entirely by the sheriff's department.
Tony Noori, owner of Noori's Car Dealership on East 14th Street, where the second banner was hung, said: "It's a good cause. More exposure means a better chance they might find the murderer."
The banners bear a color picture of Espinal and two suspects' descriptions. Four other people were in the car with Espinal when he pulled into the driveway that night. They ran away when he was shot.
"The person who knows is just as worse as the person who murdered my son," Butterworth said. "How do you know something
and not come forward?"
She said a lot of people know about what happened but no one wants to get involved and that not a day goes by when she doesn't think about her son. About a year ago, she created a Web site dedicated to his memory, http://www.mark-espinal.memory-of.com.
The Butterworths previously had two billboards — one above Interstate 238 and East 14th Street, and one around the corner from 167th Avenue — asking for information.
"When the billboards were up, I found myself driving by all the time just to check up on them," Butterworth said.
Butterworth also wore a pin created for what would have been her son's 22nd birthday.
"He's been forgotten. I guess that's what happens over time," she said. "But not to us."
She added that his 4-year-old son is growing up without a father.
"We love and miss our son very much, and I'm begging someone to come forward," Butterworth said. "I don't know how someone could live with that kind of guilt."
There is a $20,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information can call the Sheriff's Office 24-hour hot line at (510) 667-7721 or lead Detective Pete Norton at (510) 667-3666.
Governor's Office Offers Rewards In Three Bay Area Murder Cases
POSTED: 8:20 pm PST December 27, 2007
SACRAMENTO -- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Thursday offered rewards in connection with three unsolved Bay Area murder cases.
The rewards are offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or person responsible for the murder.
In connection with the Feb. 3, 2004, murder of Mark Espinal, 19, Schwarzenegger's office is offering a $50,000 reward. Espinal was shot to death outside his home in unincorporated San Leandro.
In connection with the June 20 murder this year of Angelo Hurst, 19, Schwarzenegger's office is offering a $25,000 reward. Hurst was killed in a drive-by shooting in Vacaville and authorities have identified his alleged killer as Joseph Stanley Duran, III. Duran is currently at-large and his whereabouts unknown.
In connection with the Jan. 30, 2006, murder of Jerrell Moore, 16, Schwarzenegger's office is offering a $50,000 reward. Moore was shot to death in Richmond.
A total of 221 rewards have been offered since the Governor's Reward Program was established in 1967 and 19 of them have been paid, according to Schwarzenegger's office.
Copyright 2007 by KTVU.com and Bay City News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Reward offered in Ashland man's death
19-year-old gunned down in 2004
By Jason Sweeney, STAFF WRITER
Article Last Updated: 12/28/2007 07:59:10 AM PST
ASHLAND — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a
$50,000 reward Thursday for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for shooting 19-year-old Mark Espinal to death on Feb. 3, 2004, outside his Ashland home.
While Espinal's case went cold long ago, police believe witnesses have information that could lead to an arrest.
Espinal died in his driveway shortly after midnight after being shot several times, The Daily Review reported in 2004.
He had been dropped off by four friends at his home on the 1500 block of 167th Avenue when two men walking on the sidewalk confronted him. An argument broke out, and one man drew a handgun and fired several shots at Espinal. The assailant and his companion then ran away.
Espinal was pronounced dead a short time later in front of the home where he had lived with his mother, sister and stepfather.
The Alameda County Sheriff's Office described thegunman as African-American with a dark complexion, about 18 to 20 years old, 6 feet 1 inches to 6 feet 2 inches tall, and weighing about 130 to 150 pounds, with a slender build. His companion was described as African American with a medium complexion and black hair, about 18 to 20 years old, and 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall.
Espinal was a graduate of Royal Sunset High School and had been living with his family while working a night shift loading UPS trucks in Oakland. He had a 1-year-old son with a woman he was not involved
with at the time of his death.
The Review reported that Espinal had pleaded not guilty to felony possession of marijuana in January 2003 and had a court appearance scheduled the week he was killed.
Since his death, his mother, Randi Butterworth, has been active in keeping the investigation in the public eye. She has circulated fliers, offered rewards, started a Web site and had a billboard put up in Ashland last year asking for information on the case.
Butterworth has moved away from Ashland and could not be reached for comment for this story.
Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern requested the governor's reward for information on the Espinal case.
One of the requirements before a governor's award is issued is that the victim's family supports the reward. Also, investigators must have pursued all leads and believe that a reward will help their efforts. A chief of a law enforcement agency must then write to the governor asking that a reward be offered.
According to the governor's office, 221 governor's rewards have been offered in California since 1967 and 19 have been paid.
Four other rewards were offered Thursday for homicide cold cases in Richmond, Vacaville, Sacramento and Pomona.
Anyone with information on the Espinal case can call Sgt. Scott Dudek at 510-667-7478 or call the Alameda County Sheriff's Office 24-hour phone line at 510-667-7721.
Ashland mother still seeking justice for slain son
By Jason Sweeney, STAFF WRITER
Article Created: 02/03/2008 02:38:02 AM PST
ASHLAND -- A mother's pain lasts a lifetime when her child is murdered.
Randi Butterworth said she will never stop suffering from the slaying of her son, Mark Espinal, who was gunned down in her driveway four years ago today.
Butterworth said she will not let go and will continue to seek justice for her son. She has put up banners, billboards and a Web site that display her son's picture and information about the case. She has released fliers. Last month, she secured a $50,000 governor's reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of her son's killer. On top of that, she has secured an additional $20,000 in reward money.
What is particularly frustrating for Butterworth and for investigators is that there were multiple witnesses to the homicide who have not been helpful in the investigation.
``It's hard to imagine it's been four years and no one has come forward yet,'' Butterworth said. ``I have to keep out there, pounding the pavement to get my child justice. The community has to know that I'm here and
I'm not giving up. I know somebody knows. My son's life meant the world to me. It will always mean the world to me. The people who did this need to get off the streets so they never have the opportunity to do this to someone else's child.''
At the time of his death, Espinal was 19 years old and living in Ashland with his mother, stepfather and teenage sister. He was working for UPS.
He had a son who was a year old, but who was living with the woman Espinal was no longer seeing.
Just a few minutes into the morning of Feb. 3, 2004, Espinal was in a car with four people who apparently were friends and acquaintances whom Espinal had met in the previous months and as recently as that night.
They dropped Espinal off at the house in the 1500 block of 167th Avenue where he lived. He had arrived home two hours before his work shift was to start.
As Espinal got out of the car, two men walking on the sidewalk confronted him. They argued with him, and Espinal apparently scuffled with one of them.
One of the men pulled out a handgun and then shot Espinal multiple times, execution-style. He died in the driveway.
``According to the witnesses, the two suspects were known marijuana dealers in the area,'' said Alameda County Sheriff's Sgt. Scott Dudek, the supervisor of the investigation. ``The two guys were known to frequent the area.''
Sheriff's deputies have identified two possible suspects. One of them has left California and was interviewed out of state but denied knowing about the slaying, Dudek said. The second possible suspect remains in the area but has refused to talk with authorities, he said.
``When this first came out, we thought, `How hard could this be?''' Dudek said. ``Mark gets executed right there in his driveway, and four witnesses were standing there when it happened. They knew the guy. But they clammed up. We have no evidence.''
Dudek said there was only one shooter. ``The other guy is a potential witness, but by him not coming forward we have to treat him as a suspect because we don't know if he conspired in this thing.''
Dudek said the best possibility for an arrest is for one of the witnesses to come forward.
When asked if an anti-snitch culture could be a reason for no one coming forward, Dudek said, ``One hundred percent. They would much rather keep quiet than see justice for Mark.''
Butterworth said she and her family plan to release balloons today to commemorate her son.
``I love him so much,'' she said. ``He had so many dreams. My God, I'm supposed to die before my child. I want to know what happened. I want to know the reason why.''
Anyone with additional information can call Sgt. Scott Dudek at 510-667-7478.
LETTER FROM HEAVEN
To my dearest family and friends, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness;
Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: It does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street
and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
-----Author Unknown
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
When tomorrow starts without me, and I am not here to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me.
I know how much you love me as much as I love you,
And each time you think of me I know you'll miss me to.
But when tomorrow starts without me please try to understand,
That Jesus came and called my name and took me by the hand.
He said my place is ready in heaven far above,
And that I have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life I'd always thought it wasn't my time to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do,
It seems almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
If I could of stayed for just a little while,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realize that this could never be,
For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of wordly things that I'd miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you and when I did my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heaven's gate and felt so much at home,
As God looked down and smiled at me from his great golden throne.
He said "This is eternity, And all I've promised you,
Today your life on earth is past, but here it starts anew."
"I promise no tomorrow but today will always last,
And since each day's the same here there's no longing for the past."
So when tomorrow starts without me don't think we're far apart,
For everytime you think of me I'm right here in your heart.
Unknown
When someone
You love
Becomes a memory
The memory becomes
A treasure.
He Only Took My Hand
Last night while I was trying to sleep,
My son's voice I did hear.
I opened my eyes and looked around
But he did not appear.
He said, "Mama you've got to listen,
You've got to understand,
God didn't take me from you, Mama,
He only took my hand.
When I called out in pain that night,
The instant that I died,
He reached down and took my hand,
And pulled me to His side.
He pulled me up and saved me
From the misery and pain.
My body was hurt so badly inside,
I could never be the same.
My search is really over now,
I've found happiness within.
All the answers to my empty dreams
And all that might have been.
I love you so and miss you so,
And I'll always be nearby.
My body's gone forever,
But my spirit will never die!
And so, you must go on now,
Live one day at a time.
Just understand-
God did not take me from you,
He only took my hand."
Author Unknown
Blessings from Heaven
To Those Left Behind
I’m still here, my loved ones
Please don’t mourn for me.
I’m still here, though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day,
And within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone, but I’m always near,
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart,
As long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I’ll never wander out of sight
I’m the brightest star on a summer night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.
I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around
And the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers, of which you’re so fond
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine
And you see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there’s no one to love
You can talk to me through the Lord up above.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees
And you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
And the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face.
Just look for me, my loved ones.
I’m everyplace!
Footprints In The Sand
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking
along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;
one belonged to him and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked
back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path
of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed
that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed
that during the most troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand
why when I needed you the most you would leave me.
The LORD replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you
and I would never leave you. During your times of trial
and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
Written by Mary Stevenson 1938
If we could have a lifetime wish
A dream that would come true,
We’d pray to GOD with all our hearts
For yesterday and YOU.
A thousand words can’t bring you back,
We know because we’ve tried..
Neither will a thousand tears
We know because we’ve cried.
You left behind our broken hearts
And happy memories too,
But we never wanted memories
We only wanted you.
Author Unknown
July 21, 2006
Hugs and kisses to you today and everyday my son. Loving and missing you terribly. Not a day goes by that you’re not on my mind. I think of you always. I love you so much Markie. Have a beautiful day in Heaven. Love you always and forever, Mom
My Mom is a Survivor
My Mom is a survivor,
or so I've heard it said.
But I can hear her crying at night
when all others are in bed.
I watch her lay awake at night
and go to hold her hand.
She doesn't know I'm with her
to help her understand.
But like the sands on the beach
that never wash away . . .
I watch over my surviving mom,
who thinks of me each day.
She wears a smile for others . . .
a smile of disguise!
But through Heaven's door I see
tears flowing from her eyes.
My mom tries to cope with death
to keep my memory alive.
But anyone who knows her knows
it is her way to survive.
As I watch over my surviving mom
through Heaven's open door . . .
I try to tell her that angels
protect me forevermore.
I know that doesn't help her . . .
or ease the burden she bears.
So if you get a chance, go visit her . . .
and show her that you care.
For no matter what she says . . .
no matter what she feels.
My surviving mom has a broken heart
that time won't ever heal
Thank you very much for this beautiful picture Quinn.
Mark, your son will remember you through our photos of you and our precious memories. We will love you forever 
We all LOVE and MISS you Markie. You will remain in our hearts FOREVER.
THE CORD
We are connected,
My child and I, by
An invisible cord
Not seen by the eye.
It's not like the cord
That connects us 'til birth
This cord can't been seen
By any on Earth.
This cord does it's work
Right from the start.
It binds us together
Attached to my heart.
I know that it's there
Though no one can see
The invisible cord
From my child to me.
The strength of this cord
Is hard to describe.
It can't be destroyed
It can't be denied.
It's stronger than any cord
Man could create
It withstands the test
Can hold any weight.
And though you are gone,
Though you're not here with me,
The cord is still there
But no one can see.
It pulls at my heart
I am bruised...I am sore,
But this cord is my lifeline
As never before.
I am thankful that God
Connects us this way
A mother and child
Death can't take it away!
~~~author unknown
When I saw this Markie, I knew I had to put in on your website. I wish you a beautiful day in Heaven. I love and miss you so very much. It hurts so bad to wake up every day without you here with me. I always wonder how I am still here without you. I wonder how I wake up and go on each and every day without you here, I miss you so much. I will love you forever
A Letter to God
Dear God,
You sent a child to me
To fill my life with joy,
And only You knew which was best~
A little girl or boy.
Somehow I took for granted
That we would have a lifetime.
And I made so many future plans
For that precious child of mine
Enchanted by that Miracle.
Caught up in each knew day.
I guess I didn't hear you Lord,
When You said "This one can't stay."
I trust You Lord, Thy will, not mine
Yet I can't understand
This sudden loss~The emptiness~
Caused by another's hand
I know my child's an angel now
But my heart is aching so.
I'm sorry I wasn't ready Lord
To let my baby go.
There wasn't time for one last hug,
There was no final kiss.
Oh God, It's all those special smiles
That I already miss.
So Lord could you do just one thing
For me especially?
Please hold my angel close to You
And say goodbye for me. Amen
By Bonnie Walsh
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His legacy
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