Dallas police have arrested two men in connection with a fatal carjacking that took place in August in Northwest Dallas, resulting in the death of a 34-year-old man. Investigators say the case has also been tied to a series of robberies in Dallas and Plano, raising concerns about repeat violent offenders in the city.
According to police, 23-year-old Jeremiah Grice was taken into custody on September 4. He faces charges of aggravated robbery and capital murder. Grice is currently being held at the Dallas County Jail on a bond of $650,000. His arrest came just weeks after 22-year-old Rocky Mejia Jr. was arrested on August 21. Mejia also faces capital murder charges in connection with the same case. In addition, he is charged with probation violations, assault, and another offense tied to Garland. He remains in custody on a combined bond of $510,000.
The incident occurred in the early hours of August 18 at the Jones Creek Apartments on Lombardy Lane in Dallas. Authorities say that around 2:15 a.m., victim Juan Ricardo Hernandez Esparza was sitting in his vehicle and video chatting with a friend. According to the arrest affidavit, the friend heard voices demanding Esparza to exit his car in Spanish. Esparza reportedly responded, saying he lived there, before a scuffle broke out. Moments later, the friend heard a gunshot and the call abruptly ended.
The friend immediately contacted another resident at the apartment complex, who discovered Hernandez Esparza lying unconscious on the ground. Emergency responders arrived around 3:30 a.m. and rushed him to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead at 5:48 a.m.
Investigators later found the victim’s vehicle on August 20. Detectives believe it was used in multiple aggravated robberies across Dallas and Plano, and the license plate had been switched. Surveillance footage reviewed by detectives showed a silver Chevy Malibu arriving at the apartment complex minutes before the attack. Shortly afterward, both the Malibu and the victim’s Honda Civic were seen driving away. Authorities eventually linked the Malibu to Mejia, helping them connect him to the crime.
Police later located the victim’s abandoned Honda Civic with yet another altered license plate. Evidence suggested it too had been used in robberies. Detectives connected these findings with recent offenses and confirmed Mejia’s role using surveillance, databases, and additional investigative work.
Records reveal that Mejia has a lengthy criminal history spanning several years in Dallas County. His previous arrests include aggravated robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, evading arrest, and several probation violations. Officials say he also faced a separate charge from Garland tied to an alleged assault of a family member. Notably, he was believed to be out on bond for prior cases when he was arrested in this carjacking investigation.
The killing of Hernandez Esparza shocked residents of the apartment complex and raised alarms in the surrounding neighborhood. Community members have since expressed frustration at the cycle of repeat offenders returning to the streets despite multiple arrests and pending charges. The tragic loss of life, coupled with the pattern of aggravated robberies, highlights broader concerns about public safety in Dallas and the ability of the justice system to contain violent offenders.
Both suspects remain behind bars as the investigation continues. Prosecutors are expected to pursue the capital murder charges aggressively, with investigators still reviewing additional evidence to determine if the pair are linked to other crimes in the area. Police have reassured the community that efforts are ongoing to ensure justice for the victim and accountability for those involved.
This case underscores the devastating impact of violent crime on Dallas residents and highlights the importance of ongoing vigilance by law enforcement and communities alike.
