Victim Killed in San Pedro Was Under Court Order to Stay Away

Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith revealed that Karim Espat was on High Court bail that restricted him from residing in San Pedro at the time of his murder.

Espat was one of the three victims, including Oscar Mas and Yerlin Bueso Alvarez, who were shot dead inside a home south of San Pedro Town.

Police say Espat’s failure to follow those conditions placed him directly in harm’s way.

“When conditions are placed on bail, they are placed for a very important reason, and we encourage those persons who are in conflict with the law to follow the conditions of their bail because it is certainly something that benefits their own safety,” ASP Smith said.

Police have arrested and charged 22-year-old fisherman Shelby Hernandez with three counts of murder. According to police, he had also been previously convicted of gang membership linked to the San Pedro Crips.

However, Hernandez’s family disputes the charges and is claiming that surveillance footage places him at home during the time of the killings.

Police are also monitoring the area closely amid concerns of retaliation.