Texas deputy Kevin Tippit fired after fatally shooting unarmed college freshman

A Texas sheriff's deputy has been dismissed after an internal investigation found he violated policy in the handling and discharge of his firearm, following his fatal shooting of an 18-year-old college freshman during an attempted traffic stop earlier this month.

Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman announced on 9 June that Deputy Kevin Tippit had been terminated in connection with the 1 June death of John Mendoza Jr., a Texas State University freshman from Lake Jackson who had recently completed his first year of studies. The criminal investigation into the shooting remains ongoing and separate from the internal decision to dismiss Tippit.

Sheriff's statement

Stallman addressed the termination in a video statement, confirming Tippit was dismissed for "policy violations related to the handling and discharge of his firearm." He was careful to draw a clear line between the internal findings and the parallel criminal process.

"My decision is entirely independent of the ongoing criminal investigation and should not be interpreted as a conclusion regarding criminal liability," he said. He added: "John Mendoza Jr. will not be forgotten. My prayers remain with you as your family continues to navigate this unimaginable tragedy."

What happened on June 1

The shooting took place shortly after midnight on 1 June, after a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle near FM 2004 in Lake Jackson. Authorities said Mendoza did not stop and instead drove to his father's home on Indian Warrior Trail, where he was shot. He subsequently died in hospital. KHOU 11, FOX 26 Houston and Click2Houston have each reported that scanner audio from the scene included references to an "accidental discharge," though authorities have not publicly characterised the shooting in those terms.

Family attorney's allegations

Attorney Charles Adams, who represents Mendoza's father and estate, had called on authorities prior to the dismissal to identify Tippit publicly, release body-camera and dash-camera footage, and arrest the deputy. In a 5 June statement shared by FOX 26, Adams said the Texas Rangers had informed him Mendoza was unarmed.

He also alleged that surveillance footage showed Tippit discharged his weapon within seven seconds of stepping out of his patrol vehicle, and that all four occupants of the car — including the three surviving passengers — had raised their hands after stopping.

Authorities have not publicly released any video footage from the incident. Following Tippit's dismissal, Adams said he was encouraged by the sheriff's decision but maintained that criminal charges were still warranted.

Criminal investigation and grand jury

The Texas Rangers are leading the criminal investigation in conjunction with the Brazoria County District Attorney's Office. District Attorney Tom Selleck has confirmed the case will be presented to a grand jury.

Who was John Mendoza Jr?

Mendoza had recently wrapped up his freshman year at Texas State University, where he was studying management, The Houston Chronicle reported. A former football player at Brazoswood High School, he had returned home to Lake Jackson for the summer at the time of his death. His father told the Chronicle: "He had so much life ahead of him. Just a beautiful spirit, a beautiful soul, beautiful smile.