Dispatch audio obtained from night Brazoria County deputy shot Lake Jackson teen
Deputy on leave after deadly shooting in Lake Jackson
A deputy is on leave following a deadly shooting in Lake Jackson. FOX 26's Leslie DelasBour has the latest.
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The words "accidental discharge" can be heard over dispatch audio from the night an 18-year-old man was shot and killed by a Brazoria County deputy.
FOX 26 obtained the audio from the moments surrounding the shooting that ended in the death of John Mendoza Jr. in Lake Jackson.
An investigation into what transpired before the shooting is still ongoing, and Mendoza’s family wants answers.
Shooting leaves teen dead
What they're saying:
According to the sheriff’s office, the incident began just after midnight on Monday when a deputy tried to pull over Mendoza near FM 2004. Two other teens were reportedly in the car.
Authorities say Mendoza kept driving and eventually stopped inside his garage at a home on Indian Warrior Trail. Following an encounter, the deputy fired his gun, shooting Mendoza. He later died at the hospital.
FOX 26 obtained dispatch audio from the night of the incident, which includes the words "accidental discharge".
What we don't know:
It is currently unknown what led to the initial traffic stop or what transpired during the encounter inside the garage that prompted the shooting. Officials have not provided a timeline for when the investigation will be concluded.
Family and advocates demand answers
What they're saying:
Mendoza's family spoke outside their home on Tuesday, seeking accountability and demanding a fair and thorough investigation. Mendoza was an incoming sophomore at Texas State University and had received offers to play football.
"I see him lying there. I'm checking pulses and I'm grabbing his hands," his father told FOX 26. "I'm kissing him, telling him I love him, trying to get him to respond. My son's body laid there lifeless for nothing. They took the best thing of me. He was a good kid."
The family says they have received little information from investigators despite being asked for information themselves.
"There’s been no information, they seem to want tons of information from me, and I’ve gotten nothing," his father said.
Local advocacy groups are stepping in to support the family through the process.
"We’re here to ensure that the family gets the answers, that they get transparency, and this was not a case of racial profiling. That’s what we’re hoping for, and we’re going to stand and support the family," Dr. Sergio Lira, president of Greater Houston LULAC 4967 says.
Active investigation turned over to state
What's next:
The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed to FOX 26 that the case remains active as they work through all the facts of what happened. Once the Texas Rangers complete the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Brazoria County DA's Office.
The Source: The information in this article comes from the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, dispatch audio, Texas Department of Public Safety and interviews with Mendoza's family.