LAKE JACKSON, Texas – A father who continues to grieve in Brazoria County over the death of his 18-year-old son, John Mendoza Jr. shares his pain with KRPC 2 News.
The Texas State football player was shot and killed by a Brazoria County Deputy just after midnight Monday.
Now, his father tells KPRC 2 News Reporter Sandy Torres a day after the tragedy, the overwhelming support from LULAC Houston and others continues to come in and out of the Mendoza driveway.
John Mendoza, the father, says what happened to his son is heartbreaking and he wants people to know what happened yesterday is simply not right.
“You ruined my son’s life and you ruined my life,” Mendoza said. “Life will never be the same, I walk out and see my son laying there.”
John Jr. is described by his family as a dedicated student, athlete, and all around great young man known throughout the community.
As for what happened that night, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy attempted a traffic stop on John Jr. near FM 2004 in Lake Jackson.
According to the sheriff’s office, the deputy followed Mendoza Jr. home, up to his driveway and entered the garage. That is where the deputy allegedly accidentally discharged his firearm.
Hearing that is when Mendoza says he found his son on the ground, leaving the family with questions on why there was no de-escalation.
“I just hope that justice is served. What’s right is right. It is one thing to shoot at a car, a tire, but you know everybody’s life is important, this is something that you can’t take back,” the father adds.
The Texas Rangers say they are investigating the shooting starting from square one. The Rangers say from there they will start formulating its investigative piece based on the evidence that they have.
The Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office is also still investigating while the deputy is on paid administrative leave.
Meanwhile, LULAC is demanding the Brazoria County District Attorney have another independent investigator jump on the case.
“Another senseless death of a young promising young man of our community, at these times where one is afraid, should feel safe to come home, it should be a safe haven,” says President of LULAC Houston Sergio Lira/