A sheriff’s deputy has been dismissed after allegedly fatally shooting an unarmed Texas State University freshman by firing into his car.
Brazoria County Deputy Kevin Tippit was terminated this week after an investigation into the June 1 death of 18-year-old student John Mendoza Jr. near Lake Jackson, a city about 55 miles south of Houston.
The shooting triggered intense outrage and protests at Texas State University, where demonstrators alleged Tippit shot Mendoza after what began as a routine traffic stop.
Authorities said the encounter turned deadly after Tippit attempted to stop Mendoza as he was leaving a park. Investigators say the freshman then tried to drive away, leading the deputy on a pursuit of roughly a mile.
According to police, Mendoza drove to his home and pulled into an attached garage, where Tippit allegedly confronted him and opened fire. Officials said Mendoza was not carrying a weapon.
Mendoza was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, authorities said.
Following a two-week investigation into the shooting, Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman said he fired Tippit, condemning his actions in a scathing video statement.
‘The authority that is entrusted to law enforcement officers is extraordinary, and with that authority comes a responsibility to exercise sound judgment, follow policy and uphold the standards that are expected by this profession,’ he said.
Texas State University freshman John Mendoza Jr., 18, was killed on June 1 near Lake Jackson, Texas when he was allegedly shot dead by a Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy
Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman (pictured) said this week that he fired Deputy Kevin Tippit over the shooting
The move to fire Tippit within two weeks of the shooting marks a significant punishment from the sheriff’s department, with law enforcement officers typically placed on paid administrative leave following an officer-involved shooting.
In his video announcing Tippit’s firing, Stallman described Mendoza’s shooting death as a ‘tragedy’ and said ‘regardless of any investigation, he will not be forgotten.’
He said Texas Rangers were conducting an independent investigation into the shooting, and said the District Attorney’s office would determine whether Tippit will face charges.
The sheriff said that while he does not control whether Tippit will be prosecuted, he decided ‘based on the ongoing investigations and the information available to me’ that he would fire Tippit.
Stallman said his decision was ‘due to the policy violations’ and ‘the handling and discharging of his firearm’ during the traffic stop.
Brazoria County District Attorney Tom Selleck said on June 3 that his office was conducting a ‘thorough and comprehensive investigation’, and said the case would be presented to a grand jury to consider charges.
Selleck’s office said the process could take several months before evidence is gathered and presented to a grand jury.
Mendoza’s family said they were left heartbroken by the shooting, and called for justice for the Texas State freshman.
Surveillance footage outside Mendoza’s home, where he was allegedly shot dead by the sheriff’s deputy following a short pursuit
Mendoza’s family said they have been left devastated by his death, accusing the deputy of shooting the unarmed 18-year-old ‘without warning or direction’
Protests erupted following Mendoza’s death
Mendoza’s sister, Allyson, said in a GoFundMe that they were fundraising ‘to help raise awareness, seek accountability, and honor the life of my little brother.’
Allyson alleged that Tippit had targeted her brother and followed him home from a park before shooting him ‘without warning or direction’.
She said paramedics took over 20 minutes to get to the scene, accusing emergency services of failing to arrive in time to save Mendoza.
‘Those lost minutes mattered. Where was the sense of urgency?? From the unjustified and aggressive use of force by the officer who shot John, to the delayed emergency response,’ she wrote.
‘John was failed at every stage. Our family is left with heartbreaking questions.’
Stallman also directly addressed Mendoza’s family in his video message, telling them: ‘John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. lost his life, your family lost a son, friends lost someone they loved.
‘Regardless of any outcome of any investigation, your family’s loss is permanent and your grief is real.
‘I can not begin to understand the pain that your family is experiencing, but I wanted you to know that your loss is seen and that John Mendoza Jr. will not be forgotten.’
