ANGLETON, Texas – Dozens of demonstrators filled the sidewalk in front of the Brazoria County Courthouse Friday, demanding accountability in the shooting death of 18-year-old John Mendoza Jr., a Texas State University student.
The crowd called for three things: a murder charge against Brazoria County Deputy Kevin Tippit, the release of body and dash camera video, and a federal civil rights investigation.
“We want justice, and we want it now,” protesters chanted outside the normally quiet Angleton courthouse.
Father: ‘My son was murdered’
John Mendoza Sr. stood alongside family members and a visibly emotional crowd, calling for accountability.
“My son wasn’t even 19 years old, and this is not right,” the father said. “My son was murdered for a senseless and reckless act, abuse of power.”
Surveillance video first obtained by KPRC 2 News shows the final moments of a two-minute pursuit on Monday morning. Deputy Tippit attempted to pull Mendoza over before Mendoza drove into his father’s garage. The sirens stopped. No commands could be heard. Eight seconds later, Deputy Tippit’s gun could be heard going off.
Tippit appears to have called it an accidental discharge on the scanner. The bullet went through Mendoza’s rolled-up driver-side window, according to the family, who says the wound proved fatal at the hospital.
Family calls for murder charge before grand jury
Mendoza’s aunt, Glenda Mendoza, was direct in what she wants prosecutors to do.
“Make that presentation to the Grand Jury as a murder charge, because that’s what it should be,” she said. “He was murdered in cold blood. He was unarmed.”
The sheriff’s office has not said what prompted the initial traffic stop. Community activists suggested Friday it may have been racially motivated.
“This happens to good people,” said Dr. Sergio Lira of Greater Houston LULAC. “We will no longer tolerate the senseless killing of young Latino males, young African Americans.”
Deputy had less than two years on the job
State records show Deputy Tippit has been a licensed peace officer for less than two years and previously worked as a jailer. The community is now calling for him to face criminal charges.
“All these agencies and these organizations say that they stand for justice, and that’s all we’re asking for,” Mendoza Sr. said. “Show us that that’s who you are, because this could be any of our sons, any of our daughters.”
Statement from family attorney
In a new statement from family attorney Charles Adams on Friday, he slammed Sheriff Bo Stallman and District Attorney Tom Selleck in the handling of the case.
“Sheriff Stallman and DA Selleck should do the right things with immediacy. They should both officially identify Deputy Tippit. They should release all relevant audio and video recordings of the incident and interactions prior to the shooting. And they should arrest and charge Deputy Tippit,” attorney Adams wrote.
What comes next
The Brazoria County District Attorney says the Texas Rangers’ investigation could take months. The findings are expected to be presented to a grand jury.
KPRC 2 News requested footage from Deputy Tippit’s body and dash cameras, and so far, DA Selleck has not said whether the video will be released.