Family feud causes shooting in Chilton

Two people were arrested as the result of a shooting in Chilton on Friday, May 22. 

Raelynn Swinnea, 24, of Kosse, and David Espinoza, 21, of Marlin, are both charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. 

The Falls County Sheriff’s Department responded to the call at about 8:45 p.m. according to Falls County Sheriff Ricky Scaman.

Deputies arrived to discover a 22-year-old female Wacoan and a 25-year-old Chilton male, both of whom had gunshot wounds, according to a press release.

The offenders had already fled the scene. A vehicle description was gathered from witnesses and the information was distributed to local law enforcement over broadcast radio.

Both victims were taken by family members to Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Hospital in Waco. Their current status is unknown at this time.

Scaman said the shooting is thought to be the result of a feud among families in the Chilton area.

“I’m afraid we’ll have another one before this weekend is over,” he told KWTX on Saturday, though an additional conflict has not been reported.

Marlin PD officers apprehended the offenders by the vehicle description and took them into custody after a short confrontation, the press release said.

Swinnea and Espinosa were both taken to the Falls County Jail, where they each posted bond and were released the next day. 

Rosebud PD, Lott PD, and Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens were also on scene Friday.