BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas – Kevin Tippit, the deputy involved in the fatal shooting of John Mendoza Jr. in Lake Jackson has been fired from the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office.
Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman made the announcement in a video statement posted on Youtube Tuesday.
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“Based on the ongoing investigations and the information available to me at this time, I have determined that due to the policy violations related to the handling and discharge of his firearm, the employment of the deputy involved in the shooting on June 1st, Kevin Tippit, has been terminated effective today,” Stallman said in the video.
Tippit’s firing comes several days after demonstrators marched on the Brazoria County Courthouse demanding accountability in the shooting death of 18-year-old John Mendoza Jr., a Texas State University student.
The shooting happened just after midnight on June 1, when 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.
The case is being investigated by the Texas Rangers and the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office.
Brazoria County District Attorney Tom Selleck said 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.
Sheriff Stallman’s statement:
“Over the past week, our community has experienced a tragedy that has affected the Mendoza family, the members of the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office and people throughout Brazoria County.
And before I say anything else, I want to acknowledge the Mendoza family and speak directly to you.
John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. lost his life.
Your family lost a son. Friends lost someone they loved.
Regardless of any outcome of any investigation, your family’s loss is permanent and your grief is real.
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.
My prayers remain with you as your family continues to navigate this unimaginable tragedy.
I also want to speak directly to the people of Brazoria County.
I recognize that many members of our community are hurting, frustrated, angry, and searching for answers.
Those reactions are understandable.
At moments like this, you deserve confidence that the truth will be pursued wherever it leads.
And as your sheriff, I have responsibilities in this process, though I do not control every part of the process.
The Texas Rangers are conducting an independent investigation into those events surrounding John Mendoza Jr.’s death.
The district attorney’s office and the grand jury will ultimately determine what legal actions are appropriate based on the facts and the evidence developed through the investigation.
So those responsibilities belong to them.
But my responsibility in this case is different.
My responsibility is to take action where I can and to allow independent processes to proceed where I cannot.
So the authority that is entrusted to law enforcement officers is extraordinary.
And with that authority comes a responsibility to exercise sound judgment, follow policy, and uphold the standards expected by this profession.
Based on the ongoing investigations and the information available to me at this 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 shooting on June 1st, Kevin Tippit, has been terminated effective today.
My decision is entirely independent of the ongoing criminal investigation and should not be interpreted as a conclusion regarding criminal liability.
Now, I know there will be some who believe this decision goes too far and others believe it does not go far enough.
And I understand my role is not to satisfy every opinion.
My role as sheriff is to make informed decisions based on the information available to me and while respecting the integrity of the investigative and legal process.
So this past week I have heard concerns regarding transparency and I want you to know that I remain committed to providing information whenever it can be made available as I am doing today without compromising the investigation.
There are legal and investigative limitations on what can be released today.
And as those limitations change, additional information will be shared with the community.
Now, I understand that waiting is difficult and that people want immediate answers.
And I do, too.
But we must all realize answers that are rushed are not the same as answers that are right.
The people of Brazoria County deserve a thorough and credible investigation, and that is exactly what is underway.
As sheriff, I will continue to cooperate fully with the Texas Rangers, support the work of the district attorney’s office, and fulfill every responsibility that belongs to me.
John Mendoza Jr.’s death has affected this entire community.
It has affected the Mendoza family, John Junior’s friends, the men and women of law enforcement, and many others throughout Brazoria County.
And while we cannot change what has happened, we can ensure that the truth is pursued, that accountability follows the facts, and that we move forward with integrity and transparency.
That is my commitment to the Mendoza family, to this community, and to every resident of Brazoria County.
And that is my commitment as your sheriff.
Thank you for your time.”