Man stabbed in Royal City

Police looking for information

ROYAL CITY - Circumstances surrounding a Friday night stabbing in Royal City remain suspicious according to law enforcement.

Leonardo Esquieel Esparza, 41, Royal City, was arrested Friday night for assault in the first degree after allegedly stabbing his friend Javier Delacruz Billalva, 37, Royal City, near an apartment complex on Royal Avenue.

"It appears nobody really knows what happened," Royal City Police Chief Darrin Smith said. "Everybody was intoxicated."

Delacruz Billalva told police Esquieel Esparza allegedly sliced him with the knife by accident as Delacruz Billalva was running by, Smith said. Delacruz Billalva said Esquieel Esparza was chasing someone else while carrying the knife.

The police chief said there were two puncture wounds, in the upper chest and one in the stomach.

The wounds were inconsistent with the victim's story, Smith said. The wounds did not appear to be done in a slicing motion as though he was running by. They are clearly puncture wounds, he said.

Esquieel Esparza reportedly advised police he did not stab the victim and was on scene when he surrendered to police.

Witnesses at the scene told police they did not see Esquieel Esparza stab Delacruz Billalva but saw the two arguing.

It is unknown what they were arguing about but police confirmed they are friends and were drinking beer together.

Delacruz Billalva remains at Samaritan Healthcare, Smith said.

Smith said no one is giving sufficient information about the incident and it is unclear why.

People with information related to the stabbing can contact the Royal City Police Department at 509-346-2212.