BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas — An 18-year-old college freshman was shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy in his father’s garage after being followed home from a traffic stop, in an incident the deputy reportedly described as an “accidental discharge.”

John Mendoza Jr., a management freshman at Texas State University with no criminal history, was driving home with friends when he was pulled over. According to his family’s attorney, no one in the vehicle was armed. Mendoza then drove to his father’s house, where surveillance footage captured him pulling into the driveway.

Within eight seconds after the deputy’s sirens stopped, a single shot was fired. No audible commands were reportedly given before the shooting. More than 30 seconds later, scanner traffic allegedly captured Deputy Kevin Tippett referring to the incident as an accidental discharge. The first ambulance arrived approximately 10 minutes after the shot was fired. Mendoza did not survive.

Sheriff Bo Stallman terminated Deputy Tippett on June 9, citing policy violations related to the handling and discharge of his firearm. The Texas Rangers are conducting an independent criminal investigation, and the case has been referred to a grand jury to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.

Mendoza’s father issued a strong statement following the deputy’s termination: “Any other person in Brazoria County that murdered and shot an unarmed teen on camera would be arrested and charged with murder.”

The family is demanding the full release of all video and audio recordings from the incident. They emphasize that John was unarmed and had simply returned to the safety of his father’s home.

This tragic shooting has sparked outrage in the community and raised serious questions about police procedures during traffic stops and the use of deadly force. The investigation remains ongoing.