LAKE JACKSON, Texas — The Brazoria County sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot Texas State freshman John Mendoza Jr. has been fired, according to Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman.
In a June 10 statement posted to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, Stallman announced the termination of Kevin Tippit, the deputy involved in the June 1 shooting.
“Based on the ongoing investigations and the information available to me at the time, I have determined that, due to policy violations related to the handling and discharge of his firearm, the employment of the deputy involved in the June 1 shooting, Kevin Tippit, has been terminated effective today,” Stallman said.
Stallman did not specify which firearm policies Tippit violated in the statement.
Mendoza, a Texas State freshman who had just completed his first year studying management, was shot and killed on June 1 in Lake Jackson. Authorities previously said the shooting happened after a vehicle failed to stop for a deputy, while Mendoza’s family attorney said Mendoza was followed from a park to his home before he was shot inside his vehicle.
In an interview with The University Star, Mendoza’s father, John Mendoza Sr., said his son had gone to walk the track with friends after leaving the gym before a deputy began following them. Mendoza Sr. said his son drove home because he felt safe there, but the encounter escalated after he arrived home.
Mendoza was remembered by family and friends as someone who was loyal, joyful and deeply connected to the people around him. His father said Mendoza was happy at Texas State, where he found a community and “a place that he could be himself.”
Stallman began the statement by acknowledging the pain felt by Mendoza’s family and friends.
“John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. lost his life. Your family lost a son, and friends lost somebody they love. … I cannot begin to understand the pain your family is experiencing, but I want you to know that your loss is seen and that John Mendoza Jr. will not be forgotten,” Stallman said in the statement.
Tippit’s termination is separate from the ongoing criminal investigation. As of publication, no criminal charges have been announced in connection with the shooting.
In a Facebook post, Mendoza family attorney Charles Adams said he was encouraged by Stallman’s decision to terminate Tippit, but said the firing was “not the consequence the family needs to start the journey to healing.”
“Any other person in Brazoria County that shot an unarmed man on camera would be arrested and charged with murder,” Adams wrote. “That is what John’s family is seeking.”
Adams also thanked those who have supported Mendoza’s family and asked the public to “keep demanding justice.”
According to Stallman, the Texas Rangers are conducting an independent investigation into the events surrounding Mendoza’s death.
“The District Attorney’s Office and a grand jury will ultimately determine what legal actions are appropriate based on the facts and evidence developed through the investigation,” Stallman said.
