HOUSTON – Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman broke his silence Wednesday regarding the shooting death of 18-year-old John Mendoza Jr., saying the Texas Rangers were called in to conduct an independent investigation from the moment the incident occurred.
The statement marked the first time the sheriff has spoken publicly since the fatal shooting early Monday morning.
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Just after midnight on June 1, a deputy followed Mendoza Jr. into his father’s garage after an attempted traffic stop led to a pursuit.
The deputy fired a single shot that dispatch communications later described as an accidental discharge.
RELATED: Surveillance video shows seconds before Brazoria County deputy shot and killed Texas State student
“Our limited public comments should not be interpreted as a lack of concern, urgency, or recognition of the seriousness of this incident,” Sheriff Stallman wrote.
He said his office is committed to full cooperation with the investigation “no matter the results,” but cited the ongoing nature of the probe as the reason he cannot address specific facts publicly.
The deputy involved has not been identified by law enforcement. The case is being investigated by the Texas Rangers and the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office.
The reason for the original attempted traffic stop has not been disclosed. The deputy remains on paid administrative leave.
“Please continue to keep the family, our community and all those affected by this tragedy in your prayers as our community grieves,” the sheriff added.
The statement comes after surveillance footage obtained exclusively by KPRC 2 News and shared by family attorney Charles Adams showed Mendoza Jr. pulling into his father’s driveway just after midnight Monday. Within eight seconds of the deputy’s sirens stopping, a shot is heard.
In the video, no audible commands from the deputy can be heard before the shot was fired.
More than 30 seconds after the shooting, scanner traffic appears to capture the deputy reporting an accidental discharge. The first ambulance arrived roughly 10 minutes after the shot was fired.
Mendoza Jr. had just completed his freshman year at Texas State University, where he played football. His father described him as a dedicated student and athlete.
Adams said Mendoza Jr. had spent the evening at a park with childhood friends, all of whom were unarmed.
“My son was murdered in his garage, and this just isn’t right,” John Mendoza Sr. said. “This is a senseless situation that could have been avoided.”
District Attorney Tom Selleck issues statement
Brazoria County District Attorney Tom Selleck also issued his first public statement Wednesday, saying the findings of the investigation will be presented to a grand jury for review.
Selleck said the process could take several months.
“Our office extends its deepest sympathy, our thoughts and our prayers to all parties involved. We thank the community for its cooperation, understanding, and patience as we move through this process,” Selleck wrote.
KPRC 2 News continues to follow developments in the case and will provide updates on-air, online, and through the KPRC 2 Stream.
FULL STATEMENTS
Sheriff Bo Stallman:
I know there are many questions surrounding the recent officer-involved shooting that resulted in the tragic loss of a young man.
This is a serious matter, and I hear the concerns and emotions expressed throughout our community. I also understand why people are seeking answers. I assure you, we seek those same answers. Our limited public comments should not be interpreted as a lack of concern, urgency, or recognition of the seriousness of this incident.
From the outset, I requested an independent investigation of the shooting and the events that led up to it. This investigation is being conducted by the Texas Rangers and the Brazoria County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. One of my responsibilities as your Sheriff is to ensure that this investigation proceeds objectively and without interference. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to full cooperation with the investigation, no matter the results.
Because this investigation is ongoing, I am unable to comment on specific matters and facts related to the active investigation.
Please continue to keep the family, our community and all those affected by this tragedy in your prayers as our community grieves.
Respectfully,
Sheriff Bo Stallman
District Attorney Tom Selleck
The District Attorney’s Office provides this statement concerning an officer involved shooting that occurred on June 1, 2026, in Lake Jackson.
It is the policy of the District Attorney’s Office to request that the Texas Rangers investigate all officer-involved shootings concerning the law enforcement agencies within Brazoria County.
Accordingly, this matter is currently being investigated by the Texas Rangers with the assistance of this office.
A thorough and comprehensive investigation is being conducted and this matter will be presented, in its entirety, to the grand jury for their review and action. It is anticipated that necessary investigative tasks, such as forensics and other testing, may take several months to complete. In accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and other applicable law and rules, this office, the Texas Rangers, and the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office will not publicly discuss any aspect of the ongoing investigation or proceedings at this time.
Our office extends its deepest sympathy, our thoughts and our prayers to all parties involved. We thank the community for its cooperation, understanding, and patience as we move through this process.
No further comment will be provided by this office while the matter is pending before the grand jury.