Unarmed College Freshman Killed During Routine Traffic Stop

A Texas sheriff’s deputy has been fired after allegedly shooting and killing an unarmed 18-year-old college freshman in his family’s garage.

Brazoria County deputy Kevin Tippit was terminated this week following an investigation into the June 1 death of John Mendoza Jr., a Texas State University freshman whose killing has sparked protests and calls for justice.

The shooting happened near Lake Jackson, about 55 miles south of Houston. Authorities said Tippit tried to pull Mendoza over after he left a park, but claimed the teen fled and led the deputy on a mile-long pursuit.

Mendoza’s family strongly disputes that version of events. They say John was not trying to evade the deputy and was driving slowly back to his father’s nearby home. According to the family, he was shot while his hands were in the air before the deputy gave him any instructions.

Mendoza was shot in the garage of his family home and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Police said he was unarmed.

After a two-week investigation, Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman announced that Tippit had been fired, saying the deputy violated department policy in the way he handled and discharged his firearm.

“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 that are expected by this profession,” Stallman said in a video statement.

The sheriff called Mendoza’s death a tragedy and said the teen would not be forgotten.

The decision to fire Tippit so quickly marks a major move by the sheriff’s office, as officers involved in shootings are often placed on administrative leave while investigations continue.

Stallman said the Texas Rangers are conducting an independent investigation into the shooting. The Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office will decide whether Tippit will face criminal charges.

District Attorney Tom Selleck said earlier this month that his office is conducting a “thorough and comprehensive investigation” and that the case will eventually be presented to a grand jury. That process could take several months.

Mendoza’s family says they are devastated and want accountability.

In a GoFundMe, Mendoza’s sister, Allyson, said the family is trying “to help raise awareness, seek accountability, and honor the life of my little brother.”

Allyson accused the deputy of targeting John and following him home from a park before shooting him “without warning or direction.”

She also claimed paramedics took more than 20 minutes to arrive at the scene, saying the delay left the family with even more painful questions.

“Those lost minutes mattered. Where was the sense of urgency??” she wrote. “From the unjustified and aggressive use of force by the officer who shot John, to the delayed emergency response. John was failed at every stage. Our family is left with heartbreaking questions.”

Protests broke out at Texas State University following Mendoza’s death, as students and supporters demanded answers over the killing of the unarmed freshman.

In his statement, Stallman directly addressed Mendoza’s grieving family.

“John Gabriel Mendoza Jr lost his life, your family lost a son, friends lost someone they loved,” the sheriff said. “Regardless of any outcome of any investigation, your family’s loss is permanent and your grief is real.”

He added, “I can not begin to understand the pain that your family is experiencing, but I wanted you to know that your loss is seen and that John Mendoza Jr will not be forgotten.”

The investigation remains ongoing.