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Carolyn Sosa, Investigations, Rebecca Beard, Terri McDaniels, Texas Cold Cases, Texas Killing Fields, True Crime

Roy Alan Stuart Prison Confessions vs. Public Records

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Composite graphic showing Carolyn Sosa, Terri McDaniels, court records and Joseph Kent McGowen’s prison notebook used to compare Roy Alan Stuart’s alleged prison confessions with historical public records.
Historical records, court documents and Joseph Kent McGowen’s prison notebook are compared to examine which Roy Alan Stuart allegations were already publicly documented and which appear only in McGowen’s account.

What Did Roy Alan Stuart Tell Kent McGowen? Comparing Public Records to Alleged Prison Confessions

By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose

For decades, investigators, journalists and law enforcement agencies have documented Roy Alan Stuart’s criminal history and alleged connections to unsolved murders across Texas.

Years later, former Harris County deputy Joseph Kent McGowen says Stuart discussed many of those crimes while the two were incarcerated together at the Duncan Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

This investigation compares McGowen’s interview with historical newspaper articles, court records and investigative records to separate information that was already part of the public record from allegations McGowen says Stuart shared privately in prison.

Former Harris County deputy Joseph Kent McGowen during an interview with Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose discussing alleged prison conversations with Roy Alan Stuart while incarcerated at the Duncan Unit.
Former Harris County deputy Joseph Kent McGowen describes conversations he says he had with Roy Alan Stuart in prison. This article compares McGowen’s account with historical public records and court documents.

Related Coverage

Kent McGowen discusses Roy Alan Stuart prison confessions

Carolyn Sosa: Roy Alan Stuart and the 1987 disappearance

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What Public Records Already Documented

Texas court records showing multiple Roy Alan Stuart case entries reviewed as part of a comparison between Joseph Kent McGowen’s prison interview and historical public records.
Historical court records reviewed by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose show Roy Alan Stuart’s documented criminal cases and investigations before comparing them with allegations discussed by Joseph Kent McGowen during their time in prison.

Historical newspaper articles, court records and investigative files already linked Roy Alan Stuart to numerous investigations before McGowen’s interview.

Terri Denise McDaniels memorial photo identifying her as an unsolved homicide victim in Pearland, Texas, on October 31, 1986.
Memorial image of Terri Denise McDaniels, whose 1986 homicide is among the historical investigations discussed in comparison with Joseph Kent McGowen’s prison interview about Roy Alan Stuart.

Terri Denise McDaniels, 26, was found dead near Pearland on Nov. 5, 1986. She worked out of Houston’s LaMonte Hotel. Investigators determined she died from strangulation or suffocation, and her homicide remains unsolved.

Historical reports state friends last saw McDaniels leaving the LaMonte Hotel with a white man driving a small, light-blue station wagon.

Less than five months later, investigators found Carolyn Sosa dead in Bastrop Bayou. Like McDaniels, Sosa frequented the LaMonte Hotel and died from strangulation. Historical records identify Sosa as one of the witnesses interviewed during the McDaniels investigation.

Investigators later focused on Roy Alan Stuart in both cases. Records show witnesses identified Stuart as the man who picked up both women, and investigators found Sosa’s fingerprints and hair inside his car. Prosecutors charged Stuart in both murders, but a judge later dismissed the charges. Both homicides remain unsolved.

McGowen also described several additional investigations during his prison interview. Some of those claims could not be independently matched to historical records.

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Potter County Nun Investigation

Handwritten prison notebook page attributed to former Harris County deputy Joseph Kent McGowen containing notes about alleged conversations with Roy Alan Stuart regarding the Potter County nun investigation.
A page from Joseph Kent McGowen’s handwritten prison notebook references the Potter County nun investigation. Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose compared the notes with historical newspaper articles and court records as part of this investigation.

Historical records already identified Roy Alan Stuart as a suspect in the Potter County nun investigation.

McGowen says Stuart later described the case to him in prison and claimed he concealed the victim beneath an overturned cattle trough before investigators eventually returned him to the scene.

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Telephone Road Account Compared to Public Records

July 2023 text message exchange and Carolyn Sosa photo reviewed during the Roy Alan Stuart public records comparison.

A July 2023 text message reviewed by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose shows former Brazoria County investigator Matt Wingo believed the woman McGowen described during his Telephone Road account was Carolyn Sosa.

According to McGowen, Stuart claimed he picked up a Black woman dressed as a cowgirl during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo along Telephone Road before taking her to Brazoria County.

McGowen said Stuart described sexually assaulting the woman, attempting to strangle her with a seat belt before shooting her with a .22-caliber pistol. He also claimed Stuart said a fisherman witnessed the attack from a nearby boat.

Friends told investigators they last saw her leaving the LaMonte Hotel with a man driving a small, light-blue station wagon. Prosecutors later charged Roy Alan Stuart after witnesses identified him as the man who picked up Sosa and investigators found her fingerprints and hair inside his car.

Prosecutors later dismissed the murder charge.

McGowen also described additional details that do not appear in the historical records reviewed for this story.

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Alleged Murder-for-Hire Involving a Deputy Constable

Exclusive graphic featuring Roy Alan Stuart’s mugshot with the text “Roy Alan Stuart” and “Died on May 10, 2019.
Roy Alan Stuart died May 10, 2019, while in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

McGowen claimed Stuart said someone paid him about $3,000 to kill a deputy constable.

McGowen says Stuart claimed the deputy used a wheelchair and lived on the same property as Stuart near a junkyard.

McGowen’s handwritten notes also contain the entry:

“Lived w/ BC Constable & family from ’82-’84 yrs.”

The notebook does not identify the deputy constable or explain whether that notation relates to the alleged murder-for-hire.

Handwritten prison notebook page by Joseph Kent McGowen containing notes about an alleged murder-for-hire involving a deputy constable and other conversations attributed to Roy Alan Stuart.
A page from Joseph Kent McGowen’s prison notebook referencing an alleged murder-for-hire involving a deputy constable and other notes McGowen says Roy Alan Stuart discussed while they were incarcerated together.

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Tomball Kidnapping and Murder

McGowen says Stuart described abducting a woman from a Tomball bar before murdering her.

According to McGowen, Stuart claimed his mother and sister later helped hide clothing connected to the killing.

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Bodies Allegedly Dumped Near the Brazos River

McGowen says Stuart described disposing of numerous bodies behind a trailer near the Brazos River.

According to McGowen, Stuart remarked, “You don’t know what crabs would do to a body.”

McGowen also says Stuart claimed a barge later struck and destroyed the dock near the property where the bodies had allegedly been dumped.

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Alleged Murders With a .22-Caliber Pistol

McGowen says Stuart claimed several women were killed with the same .22-caliber handgun before the weapon was later burned inside a red Pontiac Fiero after multiple killings, with the vehicle’s location remaining unknown.

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Women Near a Community College

McGowen says Stuart mentioned women disappearing around a local community college but did not identify any victims by name or provide dates.

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Alleged First Homicide at Age 10

McGowen says Stuart claimed his first homicide occurred when he was 10 years old.

According to McGowen, Stuart said his father forced him to beat an uncle to death in Arkansas after accusing the man of sexually abusing chickens.

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Other Allegations Discussed

McGowen’s interview also included allegations involving:

An aggravated kidnapping victim who allegedly escaped naked to the neighboring home of a deputy sheriff, leading to Stuart’s arrest.

Stuart allegedly attempting to drown his wife in Arkansas.

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Comparing McGowen’s Account to Public Records

Comparing McGowen’s interview with historical records reveals two distinct categories of information.

Many of the investigations discussed—including Carolyn Sosa, Terri McDaniels, Linda Kay Simmons and the Potter County nun investigation—were already documented through historical reporting, court records and investigative files before McGowen’s interview.

Other allegations, including the deputy constable murder-for-hire, the Tomball account, the Brazos River disposal site, the alleged first homicide at age 10 and several other prison stories, were not located in the historical records reviewed for this comparison.

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Editor’s Note

This article compares statements made by former Harris County deputy Joseph Kent McGowen during a prison interview with historical newspaper articles, court records and investigative records reviewed by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose. The purpose of this comparison is to distinguish information that had already been documented in the public record from allegations McGowen says Roy Alan Stuart shared with him while the two were incarcerated. The comparison reflects the records reviewed for this investigation and is not intended to establish the truth of any allegation discussed in McGowen’s interview.

Related Reading

If you’re interested in unsolved crimes, investigative reporting, or the history of serial homicide investigations, you may also enjoy these books:

Who Killed These Girls? by Beverly Lowry

The Cases That Haunt Us by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Purchasing through affiliate links helps support future investigations at no additional cost to you.

Investigations, Texas Cold Cases, True Crime

EXCLUSIVE: Roy Alan Stuart Prison Confessions Revealed in Kent McGowen’s Secret Journals

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Thumbnail featuring retired deputy Kent McGowen on the left, convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart on the right, and a real handwritten prison notebook page in the center. The image promotes an exclusive interview about McGowen’s prison journals documenting alleged conversations with Stuart.
Thumbnail for the exclusive interview featuring retired deputy Kent McGowen, convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart, and a real handwritten notebook page provided by McGowen. McGowen says the journals document alleged conversations with Stuart while they were incarcerated together.

Former Deputy Documents Alleged Roy Alan Stuart Confessions in Secret Prison Journals

Former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen poses in uniform beside a sheriff’s patrol car before his 1992 conviction.
Before serving about 19 years in prison, Kent McGowen worked as a Harris County deputy. McGowen says it was during his incarceration that he met Roy Alan Stuart and began documenting the conversations that became the basis of his prison journals and investigative notes.

By Tammy Rose | Investigative Reporter

Exclusive graphic featuring Roy Alan Stuart’s mugshot with the text “Roy Alan Stuart” and “Died on May 10, 2019.

For nearly two years inside a Texas prison, former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen says he got to know convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart. What began as casual conversations became something McGowen says he could not ignore.

McGowen says Stuart described murders, body disposal sites and victims who had never been publicly connected to him. McGowen feared he would forget the details, so he secretly documented the conversations in composition notebooks, handwritten journals and investigative timelines.

The former Harris County deputy shared those journals, notebooks and supporting documents publicly for the first time.

Over the past several weeks, I interviewed former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen, reviewed hundreds of pages of handwritten prison journals and supporting documents, and examined records related to the claims discussed in this article.

Editor’s Note – July 11, 2026

After Investigator Matt Wingo contacted me to point out factual errors in my original article, I reexamined Kent McGowen’s original handwritten journals. During that review, I determined that I had misinterpreted several entries involving investigator communications. The journals document communications between Kent McGowen and investigators—including letters, telephone calls, emails, and other correspondence—but they do not establish that Investigator Matt Wingo or the other investigators personally met with Kent as I had previously interpreted. Those sections have been corrected to more accurately reflect the original handwritten journals.

The allegations and information presented throughout this article remain attributed to Kent McGowen’s interview and handwritten journals unless otherwise noted. As with the original publication, these claims have not been independently verified by this news organization.

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Why McGowen Started Writing Everything Down

Former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen poses with fellow inmates during his incarceration in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. McGowen says he met convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart while they were housed in the same prison unit.
Former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen spent about 19 years in prison, where he says he lived near Roy Alan Stuart for nearly two years and began documenting the conversations that became the basis of his handwritten prison journals.

Watch my exclusive interview as Kent McGowen describes chilling details he says Roy Alan Stuart confessed to while the two were incarcerated together.

McGowen served about 19 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after a jury convicted him in the 1992 murder of Susan White.

McGowen says he spent nearly two years housed in what he described as a converted shipping container with more than a dozen other inmates, including Stuart.

According to McGowen, most inmates avoided Stuart because of his reputation.

Exclusive graphic featuring Roy Alan Stuart’s mugshot with the text “Roy Alan Stuart” and “Died on May 10, 2019.

“If you think what a serial killer looks like, that’s the picture that pops into your mind,” McGowen told me.

Eventually, the two men started talking.

According to McGowen, those conversations changed everything.

He says Stuart described crimes, victims, locations and methods in extraordinary detail. McGowen believed much of the information had never become public.

Instead of relying on memory, McGowen quietly wrote down what Stuart told him. He used composition notebooks, handwritten journals and investigative timelines whenever he had the opportunity.

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Secret Prison Journals

Close-up of a handwritten prison journal page provided by former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen documenting notes he says were taken after conversations with convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart while incarcerated.
One page from Kent McGowen’s handwritten prison journals. McGowen says he wrote many of the notes covertly while incarcerated with Roy Alan Stuart to preserve details he believed investigators should review. The handwritten entries are published as source material and have not been independently verified by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose.

McGowen says he often wrote the notes late at night after speaking with Stuart. Poor lighting and the need for secrecy made many pages difficult to read decades later.

He never intended to publish the journals.

Instead, McGowen says he created a personal record of conversations he hoped investigators would eventually review.

As time passed, he expanded the project. He created typed investigative summaries, organized his notes and added details as additional memories surfaced.

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Original Notebook Pages

Gallery of original handwritten prison journal pages and investigative notes provided by former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen. McGowen says he documented conversations with convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart while the two were incarcerated.
Gallery of handwritten prison journal pages and notebook entries provided by former inmate Kent McGowen, who said he documented conversations and allegations involving convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart while they were incarcerated. The writings have not been independently verified.

Additional Documents

During our interview, McGowen said the journals document conversations and allegations involving convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart while the two men were incarcerated together.

I am publishing the journals as source material for transparency. I have not independently verified every allegation they contain. Readers should not interpret their publication as confirmation that every claim is true.

I published the notebook pages as McGowen provided them, except for minor adjustments that improve readability.

Readers can compare the original handwritten journals with McGowen’s later typed investigative summaries to better understand the chronology he documented.

What Stuart Told McGowen

According to McGowen, Roy Alan Stuart eventually grew comfortable talking about his past. McGowen says Stuart began describing crimes he claimed to have committed.

The conversations continued for nearly two years while both men served time in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. McGowen worried he would forget important details, so he recorded the conversations in handwritten prison journals. Later, he organized the information into typed investigative summaries and timelines.

McGowen’s notes include allegations involving additional victims whom public records have never linked to Stuart.

One entry identifies Linda Kay (White) Simmons. McGowen says Stuart claimed responsibility for killing her in 1971 after prison officials released him following the killing of another victim also named Kay.

Another entry describes a woman McGowen says Stuart claimed was thrown from a bridge into Austin Bayou. McGowen writes that Stuart described the location during one of their conversations.

Screenshot of a text message provided by former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen discussing alleged information about Roy Alan Stuart alongside a photograph of Austin Bayou referenced in McGowen’s notes.
Screenshot of a text message provided by former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen alongside a photograph of Austin Bayou, which McGowen says was referenced during conversations with convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart while they were incarcerated.

McGowen also documented allegations involving a constable he says Stuart claimed to have killed. During my interview with McGowen, he said Stuart identified the person as a law enforcement officer who later used a wheelchair.

Close-up of a handwritten notebook page provided by Kent McGowen containing numbered investigative notes. Entries appear to reference a junkyard, an “ex constable,” and the Alvin area between 1982 and 1984. Portions of the handwriting are difficult to decipher.
Copy of a handwritten notebook page provided by Kent McGowen. Entries appear to reference a junkyard, an “ex constable,” and the Alvin area between 1982 and 1984. Portions of the handwriting are difficult to decipher.

One handwritten notebook page also appears to reference a junkyard, an “ex constable,” and the Alvin area between 1982 and 1984, although portions of the handwriting are difficult to decipher. McGowen says he later shared this information with retired Brazoria County investigator Matt Wingo and referenced additional details involving Austin Bayou in his prison notes.

Screenshot of a text message exchange between former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen and retired TDCJ investigator Matt Wingo discussing McGowen’s prison notes about Roy Alan Stuart, including Wingo’s response that investigators should review the notes to verify additional information and his belief that not all victims had been found.
Screenshot of a July 2023 text conversation in which retired veteran investigator Matt Wingo discusses reviewing Kent McGowen’s prison notes related to convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart. The exchange is published as source material. Its contents have not been independently verified by me.

Additional Allegations Documented in McGowen’s Notes

According to McGowen’s handwritten notes and his 2023 correspondence with retired investigator Matt Wingo, Stuart allegedly described numerous additional crimes during nearly two years of conversations in prison. They include:

McGowen’s notes state that Stuart claimed his first killing occurred when he was about 10 years old. According to the notes, Stuart alleged his father restrained Stuart’s paternal uncle and ordered him to beat the man to death with a baseball bat.

The notes also describe an allegation that Stuart murdered a nun in Potter County and concealed her body beneath a cattle water trough.

Another allegation in McGowen’s notes is that Stuart claimed he kidnapped a woman in Tomball.

The notes also reference additional alleged homicide victims, body disposal locations, and other crimes Stuart reportedly described during nearly two years of conversations in prison.

The allegations above have not been independently verified by me. They are published because they appear in McGowen’s contemporaneous notes and correspondence, which investigators previously acknowledged reviewing.

Could Terri Denise McDaniels Be One of the Cases?

Terri Denise McDaniels was found murdered in Pearland on Oct. 31, 1986. Her homicide remains unsolved.

McGowen’s notes include an allegation that Roy Alan Stuart claimed he murdered a young girl in Brazoria County after allegedly being paid approximately $3,000 by the victim’s mother for life insurance proceeds.

At this time, I have not identified any public records linking Roy Alan Stuart to McDaniels’ homicide, and no official connection has been established.

While researching the case, I found online discussions in which some members of the public have speculated that Stuart could have been responsible for McDaniels’ unsolved killing. Those online discussions are not evidence and do not establish a connection.

Because McDaniels’ homicide remains unsolved and McGowen’s notes describe an alleged unidentified victim in Brazoria County, I am continuing to examine whether any records or witnesses support—or refute—a possible connection.

Investigators Acknowledged Receiving the Information

Additional notebook entries reference unidentified victims, possible body disposal sites and locations McGowen believed investigators should review.

No public records confirm Stuart’s involvement in these additional cases.

I included the material because it appears throughout McGowen’s handwritten journals, investigative summaries and supporting documents.

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Efforts to Alert Investigators

McGowen says he never intended for the prison journals to remain hidden.

After leaving prison, he organized his handwritten notes into typed investigative summaries. He says he shared portions of that material with investigators in hopes they would examine the information further.

The emails, text messages and documents included in this article show McGowen’s efforts to preserve the information and seek additional review. They do not independently verify the allegations themselves.

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State Records Confirm Roy Alan Stuart Died in Prison

Official Record: The Texas Attorney General Custodial Death Report below confirms Roy Alan Stuart died on May 10, 2019, while in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The report lists his manner of death as natural and identifies lung cancer as the medical cause of death.

Texas Attorney General Custodial Death Report – Roy Alan Stuart (PDF)Download

While reviewing McGowen’s records, I also obtained an official Texas Attorney General Custodial Death Report confirming Roy Alan Stuart died on May 10, 2019, while in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The report states Stuart was 71 years old. He died while receiving hospice care at the Michael Unit in Anderson County. It lists lung cancer as the medical cause of death and classifies the manner of death as natural.

McGowen told me Stuart appeared to disappear from the public TDCJ inmate roster after he began providing information to investigators in 2019. According to McGowen, Stuart later appeared under a different unit assignment before state records ultimately confirmed his death.

What Remains Unverified

Many of the allegations contained in McGowen’s journals and investigative summaries have never been independently verified.

Some involve crimes for which Stuart was never charged, while others identify alleged victims, disposal sites or additional homicides that are not reflected in publicly available court records.

Throughout this investigation, I have distinguished between information supported by public records and allegations McGowen attributes to Stuart during their time incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Readers should not interpret publication of these documents as confirmation that every allegation is true. Instead, the records are being published so readers can examine the original material alongside the reporting as this investigation continues.

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Investigation Continues

Over the coming weeks, I will continue reviewing prison journals, handwritten notes, investigative timelines and correspondence provided by McGowen.

Public records requests remain pending. I also continue seeking comment from current and former law enforcement officials mentioned throughout this investigation.

The records are being published so readers can examine the original material.

McGowen believes the journals preserve years of conversations investigators should examine. Time will determine whether those allegations lead to new evidence or simply become part of the historical record.

Do You Have Information?

Do you have information related to Roy Alan Stuart or any case discussed in this investigation?

Send documentation, photographs, court records or firsthand information that could help verify or refute claims in McGowen’s journals.

Email Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose at chopperrose@msn.com

Editor’s Note: This article contains allegations documented in Kent McGowen’s prison journals, handwritten notes and correspondence. Unless otherwise noted, these allegations have not been independently verified by me and should not be interpreted as established fact.

If you’re interested in learning more about Roy Alan Stuart and other notorious Texas crime cases, browse my recommended true crime books in my Amazon storefront.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Related Coverage: Former Deputy Documents Alleged Roy Alan Stuart Confessions.

Breaking News, Investigations, Rebecca Beard, Texas Cold Cases, Texas Killing Fields, True Crime

Investigator Matt Wingo Responds to Roy Alan Stuart Story, Raises Questions About Prison Journals

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Matt Wingo response to Roy Alan Stuart investigation showing July 2023 text messages, Kent McGowen prison diaries and Roy Alan Stuart mugshot.

Investigator Matt Wingo Raises Questions About Roy Alan Stuart Prison Journal Story

Before publishing my interview with former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen and his handwritten prison journals about convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart, I contacted investigator Matt Wingo seeking an interview and comment.

I did not receive an interview before my publication deadline.

After the story was published, Wingo text messaged and emailed me several times expressing concerns about the accuracy of information contained in McGowen’s journals. Although one of his text messages stated he did not want further contact, he continued sending additional emails outlining what he believes are significant factual problems.

Why I Reported the Story the Way I Did

The messages document that Wingo and McGowen communicated. They do not independently establish that every claim discussed in those communications is accurate.

July 13, 2023 text message exchange between investigator Matt Wingo and former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen discussing Roy Alan Stuart, an estimated homicide count, and follow-up on investigative records.
July 13, 2023 text message exchange between investigator Matt Wingo and former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen discussing Roy Alan Stuart, an estimated homicide count, and follow-up on investigative records.

July 13, 2023 text message exchange between investigator Matt Wingo and former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen discussing Roy Alan Stuart. The messages include discussion of an estimated homicide count and references to reviewing additional investigative records.

One issue readers should understand is the homicide count.

Before publication, I had seen a July 2023 message between Wingo and McGowen in which Wingo wrote:

“I have him killing 14 but that’s light, what we know about.”

However, because I was unable to interview Wingo before publication, I did not feel it was appropriate to publish his estimate as fact without giving him the opportunity to explain how he reached that number.

Instead, I reported what Kent McGowen told me during my interview and clearly identified him as the source of those statements. Throughout my reporting, I repeatedly noted that many of the claims contained in McGowen’s journals remain unverified.

Editor’s Note – July 10, 2026

After Investigator Matt Wingo contacted me to point out factual errors in my original article, I reexamined Kent McGowen’s original handwritten journals. During that review, I determined that I had misinterpreted several entries involving investigator communications. The journals document communications between Kent McGowen and investigators—including letters, telephone calls, emails, text messages and other correspondence. Upon reexamining the journals, I determined I had incorrectly interpreted some entries as documenting in-person meetings as I had previously interpreted.

The underlying claims in this article remain attributed to Kent McGowen’s interview and handwritten journals unless otherwise noted. As with the original publication, these allegations have not been independently verified by this news organization.

Additional Documents Reviewed

Composite image showing excerpts from Kent McGowen’s handwritten prison journals documenting communications with investigators regarding Roy Alan Stuart.

Excerpts from Kent McGowen’s original handwritten prison journals referencing communications with investigators and agencies regarding information he said Roy Alan Stuart shared while they were incarcerated together.

In addition to the handwritten journals, I also reviewed text messages, emails, and other communications exchanged between Matt Wingo and Kent McGowen regarding Roy Alan Stuart as part of this reporting.

The Questions That Remain

Several important questions remain unanswered.

Which Texas Ranger or Rangers were referenced in McGowen’s journals?

Can the journal entries regarding investigator communications be independently corroborated through public records or other witnesses?

Which portions of the journals can be independently verified?

Which claims cannot currently be verified?

Are there additional public records that support or contradict McGowen’s account?

I intend to continue reporting on these questions as more information becomes available.

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More Resources

If stories about cold cases, victims, and investigative journalism matter to you, these books and reports may also be helpful.

📚 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

📚 While the City Slept by Eli Sanders

📰 Read my original investigation:

Exclusive: Roy Alan Stuart Prison Confessions Revealed

Why I Fight So Hard for Victims: The Story I’ve Never Shared

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase through my affiliate links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my independent investigative journalism.

Breaking News, Investigations, Rebecca Beard, Texas Cold Cases, Texas Killing Fields, True Crime

Roy Alan Stuart Investigator Messages Revealed

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Matt Wingo response to Roy Alan Stuart investigation showing July 2023 text messages, Kent McGowen prison diaries and Roy Alan Stuart mugshot.

New Messages Show Multiple Law Enforcement Officials Responded to Kent McGowen Regarding Roy Alan Stuart Information.

By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose

Additional text messages obtained during my investigation into Roy Alan Stuart show Kent McGowen exchanged text messages with multiple law enforcement officials after providing information from his prison journals.

The messages do not verify the allegations contained in McGowen’s journals. However, they do document that officials from multiple agencies acknowledged receiving or discussing the information and, in some cases, indicated they intended to review the material.

FBI Safe Streets Task Force Acknowledged the Request

In a text message dated January 5, 2023, FBI Safe Streets Task Force Lt. Tommy Hansen responded to McGowen regarding the Roy Alan Stuart journals.

Hansen wrote:

Screenshot of a January 5, 2023 text message from FBI Safe Streets Task Force Lt. Tommy Hansen acknowledging Kent McGowen’s request to review Roy Alan Stuart prison journal notes.
A January 5, 2023 text message from FBI Safe Streets Task Force Lt. Tommy Hansen acknowledges Kent McGowen’s request to review his Roy Alan Stuart prison journals. Personal phone number has been redacted.

“Myself nor Agent Brown have forgot about request to meet with us and review your diary notes ref Roy Alan Stewart.”

He continued by explaining that both investigators were handling several major cases before adding:

“We both have a number of major ongoing cases. We will reach in few weeks to meet.”

The message documents that McGowen’s request remained under consideration while investigators focused on other active investigations.

John Blankenship Responded to McGowen’s Information

On May 2, 2023, McGowen received another text message from John Blankenship after sending additional information.

Screenshot of a May 2, 2023 text message from John Blankenship discussing Kent McGowen’s Roy Alan Stuart information and referencing a Texas Ranger.
In a May 2, 2023 text message, John Blankenship told Kent McGowen he had discussed the Roy Alan Stuart information with his supervisor and that a Texas Ranger would work on the matter.

Blankenship wrote:

“I ran our conversation by my boss… he wants our new Texas Ranger to work on this.”

He added that he would contact McGowen again once they had a plan in place.

The message indicates McGowen’s information was discussed internally and that a Texas Ranger was expected to become involved.

Texas Ranger Contact

Contact screen identifying Texas Ranger Lieutenant Jeff Wolf, provided by Kent McGowen as part of his Roy Alan Stuart investigation materials. Phone number has been redacted.
Kent McGowen provided this contact entry identifying Texas Ranger Lieutenant Jeff Wolf while documenting his efforts to share information related to Roy Alan Stuart with law enforcement. The phone number has been redacted for privacy.

McGowen also provided a contact entry identifying Texas Ranger Lieutenant Jeff Wolf.

While a contact listing alone does not establish what communications occurred, it is consistent with McGowen’s account that he attempted to provide his journals to multiple law enforcement agencies.

What the Messages Show

The text messages do not establish that Roy Alan Stuart’s alleged confessions were verified.

They also do not confirm that investigators concluded Stuart committed the crimes described in McGowen’s journals.

What they do show is that officials representing multiple agencies acknowledged receiving or discussing McGowen’s information and communicated with him regarding his request to have the material reviewed.

Those communications provide additional documentation supporting McGowen’s longstanding claim that he repeatedly attempted to bring the information to law enforcement after documenting his conversations with Stuart in prison.

Continuing Investigation

I continue to review prison journals, text messages, official records, and other documents related to Roy Alan Stuart.

If you have firsthand information regarding Roy Alan Stuart, the prison journals, or any of the cases discussed, you can contact me confidentially.

As with all of my reporting, allegations contained in the journals remain unverified unless supported by independent evidence or official records.

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Recommended Reading

📚 The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule

The Stronger Beside Me

📚 Mindhunter by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker

Mindhunter

Related Investigations

Investigator Matt Wingo Responds to Roy Alan Stuart Story, Raises Questions About Prison Journals

Related Coverage

Former Harris County Deputy Kent McGowen Shares Chilling Roy Alan Stuart Prison Confessions

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase through my affiliate links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my investigative journalism.

Breaking News, Investigations, Texas Cold Cases, True Crime

Former Deputy Documents Alleged Roy Alan Stuart Confessions

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By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose

How An Unlikely Prison Friendship Began

Former Harris County deputy Kent McGowen says one of the most unexpected chapters of his life began while serving a prison sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

McGowen was convicted in the 1992 murder of Susan White and spent 19 years in prison before he was paroled. Since his release, he has spoken publicly about his case and his time in prison, including conversations he says he had with convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart.

According to McGowen, he spent nearly two years housed near convicted serial killer Roy Alan Stuart, where the two developed an unlikely relationship that led to conversations about alleged unsolved murders across Southeast Texas.

McGowen says he carefully documented those conversations, typed formal reports, and later turned the information over to multiple law enforcement agencies.

I have not independently verified Stuart’s alleged prison statements or whether they resulted in any solved criminal cases.

An Unlikely Prison Conversation

McGowen told me that most inmates avoided Stuart, describing him as someone who appeared exactly how many people would imagine a serial killer.

After noticing Stewart sitting alone, McGowen said he bought him a pint of ice cream and a soft drink from the prison commissary.

According to McGowen, that simple act led Stuart to begin discussing murders he claimed to have committed throughout Texas.

“Nobody would talk to Roy,” McGowen said. “After that, he just started talking.”

McGowen said one reason he began paying close attention was because Stuart showed him what McGowen recalls was a letter that Stuart claimed had been written by attorney Tom Selleck. According to McGowen, Stuart also claimed Selleck represented him at the time. Selleck currently serves as the Brazoria County Criminal District Attorney and previously worked as an assistant district attorney before entering private practice. I have not independently verified the letter, its authenticity, or Stuart’s claim regarding the alleged legal representation.

Claims Of Additional Victims

Historical 1994 Victoria Advocate newspaper clipping reporting Roy Alan Stuart’s arrest in Brazoria County and describing his criminal history.
Historical newspaper clipping from The Victoria Advocate (May 1994) reporting Roy Alan Stuart’s arrest in Brazoria County. The article states Stuart had been investigated in multiple homicide and sexual assault cases. Included for historical context alongside Kent McGowen’s interview.

McGowen alleges Stuart described several killings that were never publicly connected to him.

Among the stories McGowen recalls were allegations involving:

A woman allegedly abducted from Houston during rodeo season.

A victim allegedly killed near a waterway in Brazoria County.

Bodies allegedly disposed of in or near the Brazos River.

Additional killings Stuart allegedly discussed involving Southeast Texas.

McGowen says Stuart showed no remorse while recounting the alleged crimes.

Documenting Every Conversation

Rather than relying on memory, McGowen says he immediately began documenting the conversations.

He kept handwritten notes while incarcerated before later typing formal reports describing what Stuart allegedly told him.

McGowen says he eventually forwarded those reports to multiple law enforcement agencies, including investigators in several Texas counties.

“I wanted to document everything while it was still fresh,” McGowen said.

Investigators Later Contacted Him

According to McGowen, investigators later reached out requesting copies of his notes.

He says an FBI agent also contacted him after learning about the reports and asked to review the journals because they reflected his contemporaneous observations while Stuart was allegedly making the statements.

McGowen says he continues to maintain copies of those writings today.

Questions Still Remain

Whether Stuart’s alleged prison statements can ever be verified remains unknown.

At this time, I have not found any publicly available records that independently confirm the additional alleged victims described by McGowen.

However, McGowen believes investigators considered the information important enough to request his documentation years after the conversations took place.

As part of my continuing coverage, I am preparing additional public records requests to determine what investigative steps, if any, followed McGowen’s submissions.

This remains an active reporting project. If you have firsthand knowledge related to Roy Alan Stuart or the investigations discussed in this article, contact me through ChopperRose.com

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Convicted Former Deputy Says He Was Framed — But Key Questions Remain (coming soon)

Rebecca Beard Investigation: Exclusive Interviews And Court Records

Texas Killing Fields: Continuing Coverage

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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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Related Coverage

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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

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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.

Police Use of Force by Seth Stoughton

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Breaking News, True Crime

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

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

BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas — Brazoria County prosecutors have asked the Texas Attorney General for permission to withhold records related to the fatal shooting of John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. while multiple investigations remain ongoing.

The request was submitted June 15, 2026, by the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office in response to several public information requests seeking records connected to the deputy-involved shooting.

According to the filing, county officials argue that releasing certain records could interfere with the ongoing Texas Rangers investigation into the use of deadly force. The county is also citing anticipated litigation related to the case as a reason the records should remain confidential.

What Records Are Being Sought?

The filing references requests for information that may include:

Body camera footage

Personnel records

Internal law enforcement documents

Policies and procedures related to use-of-force investigations

County officials asked the Attorney General to allow the records to be withheld under several exceptions contained in the Texas Public Information Act.

Texas Rangers Investigation Continues

In the filing, prosecutors state that the Texas Rangers continue to investigate the deputy-involved shooting involving John Gabriel Mendoza Jr.

The county argues that releasing records while the investigation remains active could interfere with law enforcement efforts and any potential criminal review.

Officials also cited anticipated litigation involving the case as an additional reason records should not be released at this time.

Attorney General Has Not Yet Ruled

The filing does not mean the records have been permanently withheld.

Instead, the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office is asking the Texas Attorney General to issue a ruling on whether the requested information can remain confidential under Texas law.

The Attorney General will review the request and determine whether some or all of the records must be released.

Public Records Requests Filed

The filing identifies multiple public information requests submitted after the shooting, including a request submitted by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose.

Those requests seek records connected to the investigation and the circumstances surrounding Mendoza’s death.

As of publication, the Attorney General has not issued a decision regarding the requested records.

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

Attorney General Filing

AG Letter-To RequestorDownload

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As an independent reporter, I often spend long hours covering breaking news, search operations, and investigations across Texas. Here are a few items I use and recommend:

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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.