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Breaking News, Investigations, John Gabriel Mendoza Jr.

John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. Investigation: State Reports Raise New Questions

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Featured image for an investigative news article about John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. showing his football photo alongside Texas Attorney General custodial death reports highlighting the manner of death and differing language in official records.
Newly released Texas Attorney General reports raise new questions in the investigation into the fatal shooting of John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. The Texas Rangers investigation remains ongoing.

By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose

John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. Investigation

The John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. investigation continues to raise new questions after newly released Texas Attorney General state reports provided additional details about the fatal June 1 shooting in Lake Jackson. The documents describe the same incident but use different wording in several key sections.

The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office submitted both a Custodial Death Report and a Peace Officer Involved Injuries or Death Report to the Texas Attorney General. While the Texas Rangers continue investigating the John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. case, the newly released records highlight differences in how the incident was documented.

Both reports describe the same incident. However, they use different wording in several sections while the Texas Rangers continue their investigation.

John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. Investigation: Reports Describe the Same Incident 

Both reports identify Mendoza as the 18-year-old who died after a deputy attempted a traffic stop that ended at a residence on Indian Warrior Trail in Lake Jackson.

According to the records, Mendoza drove into a garage attached to a home after deputies attempted to stop him.

The reports state the deputy was on duty and involved in a pursuit after Mendoza allegedly failed to stop.

Custodial Death Report Lists Homicide

Texas Attorney General Custodial Death Report identifying John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. and listing the official manner and cause of death in the Lake Jackson investigation.
The Texas Attorney General Custodial Death Report identifies John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. and includes the official manner and cause of death submitted by the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office.

The Custodial Death Report lists the manner of death as:

Homicide (includes Justifiable Homicide).

Medical examiners use that classification when one person causes another person’s death. The classification does not determine whether a crime occurred or whether criminal charges are appropriate.

The report lists the medical cause of death as a gunshot wound that entered through the left upper extremity into the torso.

It also identifies the weapon as a handgun.

Incident Summary Uses the Word “Discharged”

Texas Attorney General Custodial Death Report summary describing the fatal shooting of John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. and stating that the deputy’s firearm discharged while approaching the driver.
The incident summary in the Texas Attorney General Custodial Death Report states that the deputy’s firearm discharged while approaching John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. The report does not explain what caused the firearm to discharge.

One section of the Custodial Death Report states:

“When entering the garage approaching the driver, the deputy’s firearm discharged and a bullet struck the driver.”

The report does not explain why the firearm discharged or whether investigators have determined if the discharge was intentional, accidental, or the result of another circumstance.

Reports Use Different Language About a Weapon

Texas Attorney General Peace Officer Involved Injuries or Death Report stating that John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. carried, exhibited, or used a deadly weapon during the incident.
A separate Texas Attorney General report states that John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. “carried, exhibited, or used a deadly weapon.” The report does not identify the weapon or explain why this wording differs from the Custodial Death Report.

One section of the Custodial Death Report asks whether Mendoza displayed or used a weapon during the incident.

The answer listed is:

Unknown.

However, the separate Peace Officer Involved Injuries or Death Report includes a different description.

That report states the injured or deceased person:

“Carried, exhibited, or used a deadly weapon.”

Neither report explains the apparent difference in wording or identifies the weapon referenced in that section.

The records also do not describe when investigators reached those conclusions or whether additional evidence remains under review.

Deputy Was Not Responding to a Call

The Peace Officer Involved Injuries or Death Report states the deputy was not responding to a call for service when the incident began.

Instead, the report states the encounter occurred during a pursuit involving a suspect who was allegedly evading arrest or detention using a motor vehicle.

The report identifies the deputy as a 29-year-old male who was on duty at the time of the shooting.

Investigation Continues

John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. poses in his Brazoswood High School football uniform with a family member before his death.
John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. is pictured in his Brazoswood High School football uniform before the June 1, 2026, incident in Lake Jackson. The Texas Rangers continue to investigate the fatal deputy-involved shooting.

The Custodial Death Report states emergency personnel treated Mendoza before transporting him to a local hospital, where he later died.

The report also confirms that the Texas Rangers, working with the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office, continue investigating the shooting.

Neither report reaches a conclusion about criminal responsibility or explains what caused the deputy’s firearm to discharge.

As the investigation moves forward, the newly released state records answer some questions while raising others about the events inside the garage on June 1.

Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose contacted the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office for comment regarding the newly released state records. No response had been received at the time of publication.

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Texas Rangers affidavit and scanner audio timeline

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Breaking News, Investigations

Scanner Audio Raises New Questions After Release of Texas Ranger Affidavit

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A comparison graphic highlights questions raised after Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose compared scanner audio obtained shortly after the June 1 officer-involved shooting with a recently released Texas Ranger affidavit. The article includes the affidavit and scanner audio so readers can review the evidence themselves.

Scanner Audio Raises New Questions After Release of Texas Ranger Affidavit

By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose

Scanner audio obtained by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose shortly after the June 1 officer-involved shooting is raising new questions after being compared with a recently released Texas Ranger search warrant affidavit.

The affidavit states investigators reviewed Deputy Kevin Tippit’s dash camera and body camera before preparing the search warrant. According to the document, the pursuit reached speeds of approximately 120 mph after Tippit activated his emergency lights and siren.

However, after reviewing all scanner traffic I was able to obtain beginning at midnight on June 1, the first pursuit-related radio traffic I located begins at approximately 12:08 a.m.

The scanner audio and the affidavit are both included below so readers can review the evidence for themselves.

What the Scanner Audio Reveals

The scanner traffic begins with officers discussing a pursuit involving a Dodge Challenger.

During the transmissions, officers can be heard reporting speeds of about 60 mph. Later, as the pursuit entered a residential neighborhood, officers reported speeds closer to 30 mph.

The scanner audio also captures Deputy Tippit reporting what he described as an “accidental discharge.”

Moments later, dispatch clarified there was a gunshot victim. Emergency crews requested a trauma kit and a tourniquet before CPR efforts began.

What the Texas Ranger Affidavit Says

The Texas Ranger affidavit describes a different timeline.

According to the affidavit, Deputy Tippit observed the Challenger around 12:06 a.m. on FM 2004. After activating his emergency lights and siren, investigators say the Challenger accelerated and reached approximately 120 mph while running six red lights.

The affidavit states the pursuit ended at a home on Indian Warrior Trail. Deputy Tippit entered the garage, discharged his firearm, and later radioed dispatch reporting an accidental discharge before rendering aid.

Why the Timeline Matters

The scanner audio reviewed by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose does not include pursuit traffic before approximately 12:08 a.m.

That does not necessarily mean the affidavit is incorrect.

Instead, it raises several important questions.

Additional radio traffic may have occurred on another channel that was not included in the scanner recordings available for review.

The times listed in the affidavit may also be approximate.

It is also possible investigators reconstructed the timeline using dash camera and body camera footage instead of scanner traffic.

How Was 120 MPH Determined?

Another unanswered question involves the reported speed.

The affidavit states investigators observed the pursuit on dash camera video. However, the document does not explain how the 120 mph figure was determined.

It is unclear whether investigators relied on the patrol vehicle’s speedometer, video analysis, onboard vehicle data, or another investigative method.

Additional records may answer that question in the future.

Read the Documents and Listen to the Audio

For transparency, I have included both the Texas Ranger affidavit and the scanner audio below.

I encourage readers to review both pieces of evidence and draw their own conclusions.

As more records become public, including dash camera video, body camera footage, dispatch logs, CAD records, and forensic reports, they may provide additional context about the timeline and the reported speeds.

Editor’s Note: The scanner audio included below reflects the recordings Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose was able to obtain. Additional law enforcement communications or evidence not included in those recordings may exist and could provide additional context.

6a3d9f09011e7.pdfDownload

Related Coverage

DA Seeks to Withhold Records in John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. Shooting Case

Deputy Kevin Tippit fired after fatal Lake Jackson shooting

Related Reading: Want to learn more about law enforcement investigations and use-of-force cases? Browse these books available on Amazon.

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Breaking News, Life Stories on Film, Rebecca Beard, Texas Cold Cases, True Crime

Exclusive: My Effort to Reach Paul Taylor Jr. in the Rebecca Beard Case

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Paul Taylor Jr. booking photo taken during the investigation into the Rebecca Beard case.
Paul Taylor Jr. during the investigation into the 1986 disappearance and death of Rebecca Beard.

For nearly 40 years, the Rebecca Beard case has been filled with unanswered questions.

As I’ve investigated the case, I’ve interviewed Rebecca’s daughter, Brittany Pipkin. I’ve also interviewed family members, reviewed court records, obtained police reports, and spoken with others connected to the investigation. Throughout the process, I kept one goal in mind. I wanted to hear directly from Paul Taylor Jr.

Taylor pleaded guilty in connection with Rebecca Beard’s death. However, no trial ever took place. Investigators have never recovered Rebecca’s remains. Many questions still remain.

I believed it was important to give him the opportunity to tell his side of the story.

My First Attempt

My first step was sending Paul Taylor Jr. a message through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s eMessaging system at the Alfred D. Hughes Unit, where he is currently incarcerated.

In that message, I introduced myself as an independent investigative journalist researching the Rebecca Beard case. I explained that I wanted to hear his perspective and asked whether he would be willing to discuss anything he believed had been misunderstood over the years.

Screenshot of Tammy Rose’s message sent through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice eMessaging system requesting an interview with Paul Taylor Jr. about the Rebecca Beard case.
One of several attempts I made to contact Paul Taylor Jr. while seeking an interview about the Rebecca Beard case. Communication proved difficult during the reporting process.

Hitting Roadblocks

Reaching Paul wasn’t as simple as sending one message.

I also attempted to contact him by mail, but my correspondence repeatedly failed to reach him. Despite multiple attempts, I wasn’t able to establish communication.

Like many investigations, this became another reminder that reporting often involves persistence, patience, and countless dead ends before making progress.

Screenshot of a Penmate notification indicating Tammy Rose’s letter to Paul Taylor Jr. could not be processed because required delivery information was missing.
One of several challenges I encountered while trying to contact Paul Taylor Jr. My initial letter could not be processed because additional delivery information was required.

A Breakthrough

After months of trying, a trusted friend who has asked to remain anonymous was able to establish communication with Paul Taylor Jr. and let him know I was hoping to interview him.

That effort led to something I had been working toward for months—my first direct response from Paul Taylor Jr.

In his message, Paul greeted me warmly, shared a few thoughts about life, and encouraged me to continue writing to him.

Although he did not discuss the Rebecca Beard case in that first message, it marked the beginning of direct communication after months of unsuccessful attempts.

Continuing the Conversation

I’m continuing to work toward an exclusive interview with Paul Taylor Jr.

Through subsequent communication facilitated by my anonymous source, Paul indicated that he had stopped speaking publicly for a period because of pressure from detectives. That statement reflects Paul’s account and has not been independently verified.

Whether an interview ultimately takes place remains to be seen, but I believe every person connected to this decades-old case deserves the opportunity to be heard.

For me, investigative journalism isn’t about reaching conclusions before asking questions. It’s about documenting the facts, giving people the opportunity to respond, and continuing to pursue answers—even when the process takes months.

If I am able to conduct an interview with Paul Taylor Jr., I’ll share it here on http://ChopperRose.com and on my YouTube channel.

What Would You Ask?

If an interview with Paul Taylor Jr. takes place, what question would you want answered?

Leave your question in the comments below.

Read my exclusive interview with Rebecca Beard’s daughter Brittany Pipkin

 Read Part 2: No Body, No Weapon, Sealed Documents

Interested in true  crime and cold cases? 

Crime& Justice

Readers who follow the Rebecca Beard investigation may also be interested in these books on criminal investigations, missing persons cases, and unsolved mysteries:

I’ll Be Gone in the Dark

American Predator

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Breaking News, True Crime

Deputy Fired: What’s Next in the John Mendoza Jr. Shooting Investigation?

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John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. poses with an adult male while wearing a Brazoswood High School football uniform.
John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. in a family photo. The 18-year-old Texas State University student died following a deputy-involved shooting in Lake Jackson on June 1, 2026.

Deputy Fired: What’s Next in the John Mendoza Jr. Shooting Investigation?

The firing of former Brazoria County Deputy Kevin Tippit has answered one question in the shooting death of 18-year-old John Gabriel Mendoza Jr., but many others remain.

Sheriff Bo Stallman announced June 9 that Tippit was terminated following an internal review that found policy violations related to the handling and discharge of his firearm. The decision came just days after the June 1 shooting that left Mendoza dead in Lake Jackson.

While Tippit’s employment with the sheriff’s office has ended, the criminal investigation is far from over.

Why Was Deputy Kevin Tippit Fired?

Deputy Kevin Tippit shakes hands with Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman during a law enforcement ceremony.
Deputy Kevin Tippit shakes hands with Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman during a Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office ceremony.

According to Sheriff Stallman, Tippit was fired after an internal review found violations of department policy involving the handling and discharge of his firearm.

The sheriff emphasized that the termination was an administrative decision and separate from the ongoing criminal investigation.

The firing does not determine whether any criminal charges will be filed. That decision will be made through the criminal justice process after investigators complete their work.

What Happened to John Mendoza Jr.?

John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. pictured in a Brazoswood High School football uniform.

Authorities say the incident began shortly after midnight on June 1 when a Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to stop a vehicle near FM 2004 and This Way Street in Lake Jackson.

The encounter ended in the 100 block of Indian Warrior Trail, where John Gabriel Mendoza Jr., an 18-year-old Texas State University student, suffered a gunshot wound and later died.

The Texas Rangers were called in to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting.

What Are the Texas Rangers Investigating?

The Texas Rangers are responsible for reviewing all evidence connected to the shooting.

Their investigation is expected to include:

Body camera footage
Radio traffic
Witness statements
Physical evidence
Firearm evidence
Forensic testing
Autopsy results

Investigators will work to determine exactly what happened and whether any criminal laws were violated.

Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be submitted to prosecutors for review.

The Case Will Go Before a Grand Jury

Brazoria County Criminal District Attorney Tom Selleck has already confirmed the completed investigation will be presented to a grand jury.

A grand jury reviews evidence presented by prosecutors and determines whether criminal charges should be filed.

Grand jurors do not decide guilt or innocence. Instead, they decide whether sufficient evidence exists to move the case forward.

Possible outcomes include:

No criminal charges
Criminal charges filed
Requests for additional investigation

Grand jury proceedings are conducted in secret under Texas law.

How Long Could the Investigation Take?

Officials have not provided a timeline for when the investigation will be completed.

However, District Attorney Tom Selleck has indicated that forensic testing and other investigative steps could take several months.

Complex officer-involved shooting investigations often require extensive evidence review before prosecutors are prepared to present a case to a grand jury.

What Happens Next?

With Deputy Kevin Tippit no longer employed by the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, attention now turns to the criminal investigation.

The Texas Rangers continue gathering evidence and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of John Mendoza Jr.

Once that process is complete, prosecutors will present the findings to a grand jury, which will determine whether criminal charges are warranted.

Until then, Mendoza’s family, investigators, and the community continue waiting for answers.

Conclusion

The firing of former Deputy Kevin Tippit marks a significant development in the John Mendoza Jr. shooting investigation, but it is not the final chapter.

The Texas Rangers investigation remains active, and the case is expected to be presented to a grand jury once investigators complete their review.

Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose will continue following the case and provide updates as new information becomes available.

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Breaking News, True Crime

Deputy Kevin Tippit Fired After Fatal Lake Jackson Shooting

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Sheriff announces termination of Deputy Kevin Tippit

The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office has terminated Deputy Kevin Tippit following an internal review related to the fatal shooting of 18-year-old John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. in Lake Jackson.

In a video statement released Tuesday, Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman announced the termination of Deputy Kevin Tippit for policy violations related to the handling and discharge of his firearm. Additionally, Stallman said the administrative action is separate from the ongoing criminal investigation. The Texas Rangers and the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate the case.

Shooting remains under investigation

The shooting happened June 1 after a pursuit ended at Mendoza’s home on Indian Warrior Trail in Lake Jackson.

Mendoza died after the encounter.

Officials have not released additional details about the policy violations that led to Tippit’s termination.

The case remains the subject of multiple investigations.

Attorney questions official account

John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. pictured in a Brazoswood High School football uniform.

Attorney Charles Adams, who represents the Mendoza family, recently released a five-page letter challenging statements made by law enforcement officials.

Adams alleges Mendoza was shot about seven seconds after the pursuit ended.

He is also calling for the release of body camera footage, dash camera video, and other evidence connected to the incident.

Adams argues key questions remain unanswered as the investigation continues.

For more breaking news, click here.

The sheriff’s video statement can be viewed on the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.