FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) --
The man charged with killing Nick Kauls in Old Fig Garden's first murder in 83 years is now also accused of a robbery a month before.The attempted robberies and shooting spree leading to Nick's death in June came after Fresno police found the accused murderer, Joseph Espinoza, in a hotel room with meth and guns, according to investigators. Officers arrested Jose Blas Figueroa for the guns.
RELATED: Teen shot during robbery attempt in Northwest Fresno dies from injuries
Espinoza had no criminal history at the time, but now both Espinoza and Figueroa robbed a Burger King a month before Nick's murder, according to new charges filed this week.
Figueroa skipped his court appearance Wednesday, so there's a bench warrant for his arrest and his bail was revoked. There's also an arrest warrant for him.
17-year-old Nick Kauls allegedly became an innocent murder victim because of this guy.
— Corin Hoggard (@corinhoggard) July 11, 2018
Jose Blas Figueroa just pleaded not guilty to seven felony charges... pic.twitter.com/XIAWXiYKm3
And now, he’s a wanted man.
— Corin Hoggard (@corinhoggard) October 17, 2018
Jose Blas Figueroa skipped court today. Two warrants out for his arrest. @ABC30 https://t.co/XeaBbwHf72
Joseph Espinoza just postponed entering a plea to the new robbery charge.
— Corin Hoggard (@corinhoggard) October 17, 2018
He will also push the murder case down the road to December. @abc30 https://t.co/ob0vpyRSJh
Espinoza will face the new charges later Wednesday morning.
Stay with Action News for updates on this story.
