Texas man sentenced to life for shooting 2 Chick-fil-A employees in front of wife

A Texas man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after killing two employees at a Chick-fil-A in Irving, in an attack witnessed by his wife, who worked at the fast-food restaurant.

On Wednesday, 38-year-old Oved Bernardo Mendoza Argueta pleaded guilty to one count of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

He was sentenced to life in prison for the murder and 20 years each for the assault charges, to be served consecutively, by 203rd District Court Judge Rocky Jones.

The June 2024 shooting claimed the lives of 49-year-old Patricia Portillo and 31-year-old Brayan Godoy, while a third employee was injured. 

Police said Argueta fled the scene in a silver Honda but was taken into custody the following morning.

According to the Dallas District Attorney’s Office, Argueta’s wife witnessed the attack and later provided police with his identity. 

No motive has been publicly disclosed. Argueta, a Salvadoran national, was placed on an immigration hold following his arrest.

During the sentencing, one of the victims’ daughters read an impact statement, highlighting the profound loss suffered by the families. 

In a statement, the district attorney emphasised that the resolution underscores accountability and that acts of violence in the community will face serious consequences.

The Chick-fil-A location on North MacArthur Boulevard remains closed, and as part of his plea agreement, Argueta waived the right to appeal.