The Santa Cruz Police Department announces the arrest of 5 suspects in
the homicide of 12 year old Joseph Mendoza.
The homicide occurred on August 8, 2012, at the intersection of San
Lorenzo Blvd and Bixby Street. Joseph
was standing on the sidewalk when he was confronted by a group of suspects in a
car. During the confrontation, the
suspects fired several shots from a handgun, killing Joseph.
Santa Cruz Police Department Detectives have been relentless in developing leads and
continuing follow up. Detectives have
been working closely with the District Attorney’s Office and Juvenile Probation
to assemble the necessary leads to solve this case. The investigation revealed the motivation for
this homicide as tensions between rival gangs.
The investigation culminated in the simultaneous arrest of all five suspects
early this morning (October 12, 2013). Detectives
also served search warrants at the residences of the suspects. Four of the suspects are juveniles and one is
an adult. The adult is:
Andrew Carrera 19 years – Watsonville Resident
The juveniles are:
2 juveniles, both age 15, both were taken into custody from group homes
in Exeter, CA and Placerville, CA.
2 Juveniles both 17 years of age – currently in custody at Santa Cruz
County Juvenile Hall
Because they are minors, we are precluded from identifying them at this time.
All of the suspects are Norteno street gang members. Four of the suspects were on juvenile
probation at the time of this homicide.
The suspects were Watsonville area residents at the time of the
homicide.
We anticipate the arrest of a 6th suspect sometime in the
next week. The outstanding suspect is
currently in custody on unrelated charges.
The suspects were charged with (1) Homicide, (2) Criminal Street Gang
Enhancement, (3) Discharge a Firearm From a Vehicle, (4) Firearms Enhancement
The family of Joseph has been notified of the arrests and the status of
the case.
