Update as of 5:38 p.m., June 2
A university spokesperson provided a statement to The University Star regarding the June 1 shooting of Texas State student John Gabriel Mendoza Jr.
“The Texas State University community is saddened by the death of one of our students, John Gabriel Mendoza Jr., a freshman who was studying management. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this tragedy,” the statement said.
Original Story
Lake Jackson, Texas – A Texas State student was shot and killed by a Brazoria County sheriff’s deputy early Monday morning on June 1 in Lake Jackson, Texas.
The victim was 18-year-old John Gabriel Mendoza Jr., a management sophomore at Texas State University. According to a statement released by the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook, the shooting occurred after a vehicle failed to stop and fled from a deputy.
Mendoza’s family attorney, Charles Adams, said the incident began when Mendoza and his three friends were walking on a track at a local park when they noticed a police officer watching them.
“They noticed that a police officer pulled in and was just watching them, and then a second police officer pulled in and joined him and they decided, well we should probably leave,” Adams said. “The officers never made any effort to contact them, they never advised them that the park was closed.”
Adams said that while the teens were driving away, a police officer initiated a traffic stop.
“Obviously, they knew the officer was behind them following them .. he then at some point initiated a traffic stop,” Adams said. “But then John decided that he needed to drive home.”
After arriving at Mendoza’s home, Adams said the encounter turned violent.
“They were all sitting in their car with their hands up, and the officer approached the vehicle, and before giving any direction or instruction, before there was any effort to exit the car, the officer just shot John through the driver’s window in his back, and it went through his heart,” Adams said. “According to the three young men, the officer immediately started making statements about how he messed up and made a mistake.”
Adams said there were no firearms or contraband found in the vehicle. Brazoria county officials were not available late Monday to confirm this statement. No other injuries were reported.
Mendoza was a freshman last year, after graduating from Brazoswood High School where he was a standout football player.
“[John] had initially signed to go play football at another university, but ultimately opted just to go to Texas State and go to school,” Adams said.
A university spokesperson wrote in an email to The Star that the university is aware of the public reports of a Texas State student possibly involved in a shooting in Brazoria County, but does not have enough information to comment.
According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office’s statement, the involved deputy will be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation in accordance with county policy.
This is a developing story. The University Star will provide updates as they become available.
