Unarmed Texas freshman, 18, is shot dead inside his car during routine traffic stop - as sheriff's deputy is fired

By WILL POTTER, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 14:18, 12 June 2026 | Updated: 14:18, 12 June 2026 A sheriff's deputy has been fired after allegedly killing an unarmed Texas State University freshman by firing a gunshot into his car.  Brazoria County Deputy Kevin Tippit was sacked this week following an investigation into the shooting death of student John Mendoza Jr., 18, on June 1.  The shooting sparked severe backlash and protests at Texas State University after it was alleged that Tippit shot Mendoza following a routine traffic stop.  Police said the fatal shooting unfolded after Tippit tried to pull Mendoza over near Lake Jackson, but the freshman allegedly tried to flee the scene and led the deputy on a mile-long pursuit.  Mendoza led Tippit to his home and parked in an attached garage, where Tippit then allegedly confronted him and fired his weapon. Mendoza was not armed, police said.  The student was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead, officials said.  Following a two-week investigation into the shooting, Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman said he fired Tippit, condemning his actions in a scathing video statement.  'The authority that is entrusted to law enforcement officers is extraordinary, and with that authority comes a responsibility to exercise sound judgment, follow policy and uphold the standards that are expected by this profession,' he said.  Texas State University freshman John Mendoza Jr., 18, was killed on June 1 near Lake Jackson, Texas when he was allegedly shot dead by a Brazoria County Sheriff's Deputy Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman (pictured) said this week that he fired Deputy Kevin Tippit over the shooting  The move to fire Tippit within two weeks of the shooting marks a significant punishment from the sheriff's department, with law enforcement officers typically placed on paid administrative leave following an officer-involved shooting.  In his video announcing Tippit's firing, Stallman described Mendoza's shooting death as a 'tragedy' and said 'regardless of any investigation, he will not be forgotten.'  He said Texas Rangers were conducting an independent investigation into the shooting, and said the District Attorney's office would determine whether Tippit will face charges. The sheriff said that while he does not control whether Tippit will be prosecuted, he decided 'based on the ongoing investigations and the information available to me' that he would fire Tippit.  Stallman said his decision was 'due to the policy violations' and 'the handling and discharging of his firearm' during the traffic stop.  Brazoria County District Attorney Tom Selleck said on June 3 that his office was conducting a 'thorough and comprehensive investigation', and said the case would be presented to a grand jury to consider charges.  Selleck's office said the process could take several months before evidence is gathered and presented to a grand jury.  Mendoza's family said they were left heartbroken by the shooting, and called for justice for the Texas State freshman.  Surveillance footage outside Mendoza's home, where he was allegedly shot dead by the sheriff's deputy following a short pursuit  Mendoza's family said they have been left devastated by his death, accusing the deputy of shooting the unarmed 18-year-old 'without warning or direction' Protests erupted following Mendoza's death  Mendoza’s sister, Allyson, said in a GoFundMe that they were fundraising 'to help raise awareness, seek accountability, and honor the life of my little brother.'  Allyson alleged that Tippit had targeted her brother and followed him home from a park before shooting him 'without warning or direction'.  She said paramedics took over 20 minutes to get to the scene, accusing emergency services of failing to arrive in time to save Mendoza. 'Those lost minutes mattered. Where was the sense of urgency?? From the unjustified and aggressive use of force by the officer who shot John, to the delayed emergency response,' she wrote. 'John was failed at every stage. Our family is left with heartbreaking questions.'  Stallman also directly addressed Mendoza's family in his video message, telling them: 'John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. lost his life, your family lost a son, friends lost someone they loved.  'Regardless of any outcome of any investigation, your family’s loss is permanent and your grief is real. 'I can not begin to understand the pain that your family is experiencing, but I wanted you to know that your loss is seen and that John Mendoza Jr. will not be forgotten.'  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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