The Brazoria County sheriff fired Deputy Kevin Tippit on June 9 after an internal review found policy violations in his handling and discharge of a firearm during a June 1 incident that left 18-year-old John Mendoza Jr. dead. The Texas Rangers and the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office are conducting a criminal investigation that will be presented to a grand jury. Family attorneys say Mendoza was unarmed and allege surveillance shows Tippit fired moments after exiting his patrol vehicle; authorities have not released video. The investigation remains ongoing.
Deputy Fired After Fatal Shooting Of 18-Year-Old In Driveway — Family Says He Was Unarmed; Texas Rangers Investigating
Credit: Dignity Memorial
The Brazoria County sheriff fired Deputy Kevin Tippit on June 9 after an internal review found "policy violations related to the handling and discharge of his firearm" in connection with the June 1 shooting that killed 18-year-old John Mendoza Jr. The administrative dismissal is separate from the ongoing criminal probe being led by the Texas Rangers.
What Happened
According to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, the encounter began shortly after midnight on June 1 when a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle near FM 2004 in Lake Jackson. Authorities say the vehicle did not stop; it returned to the driver’s father’s home on Indian Warrior Trail, where Mendoza was shot and later died at a hospital.
Investigations And Legal Steps
The Texas Rangers are conducting the criminal investigation in coordination with the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office. District Attorney Tom Selleck said the case will be presented to a grand jury when the investigation is complete.
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office vehicleCredit: Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook
Family's Claims And Evidence Requests
Charles Adams, the attorney for Mendoza’s father and estate, has urged authorities to identify the deputy publicly, release body-worn and dash-camera footage and arrest the officer. Adams said investigators told him Mendoza was unarmed and alleged that surveillance footage shows Tippit fired within seven seconds of exiting his patrol vehicle. He also said the three surviving passengers told him all occupants raised their hands after the vehicle stopped. Authorities have not released video or publicly confirmed those details.
"John Mendoza Jr. will not be forgotten. My prayers remain with you as your family continues to navigate this unimaginable tragedy," Sheriff Bo Stallman said in a video statement announcing the firing.
Local outlets reported that scanner audio from the scene referenced an "accidental discharge," though officials have not characterized the shooting that way and the criminal investigation remains ongoing.
About The Victim
Mendoza had just completed his freshman year at Texas State University, where he studied management, and was a former Brazoswood High School football player. He had returned home for the summer. His father told The Houston Chronicle that Mendoza had "so much life ahead of him," describing him as energetic and beloved by family and friends.
The firing of Deputy Tippit addresses alleged policy breaches in firearm handling but does not determine criminal culpability. The Texas Rangers’ investigation and the grand-jury process will determine whether criminal charges will follow.
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