LAKE JACKSON, Texas – The name of the deputy involved in the shooting which led to the death of 18-year-old John Mendoza Jr. in Lake Jackson has been revealed.
Sources tell KPRC 2 News Bryce Newberry that Brazoria County Deputy Kevin Tippit was the deputy involved in the shooting. The records indicate he has worked for the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, first as a jailer in 2023, then as a peace officer since 2024.
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The news comes one day after Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman made his first public statement about the shooting since it happened early Monday morning.
Just after midnight on June 1, a deputy, identified as Tippit, 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.
“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 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.
On Tuesday, 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.”
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.
According to prosecutors, investigators are conducting a “thorough and comprehensive investigation” that will include forensic testing and other evidence analysis.
Officials said those investigative steps could take several months to complete.
Once finished, investigators will present the case “in its entirety” to a grand jury for review and possible action.
“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.
The District Attorney’s Office also said no additional public comments will be made while the matter remains under grand jury consideration.