Multi-Agency Efforts Result In Double County Homicide Arrests

Suspects Facing Homicide Charge Captured

San Antonio, TX – John Mendoza Jr., 35, and Kristopher Sanchez, 34 were arrested tonight by members of the United States Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF), Medina County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Texas Rangers, and San Antonio Police Department’s (SAPD) Gang Unit and Repeat Offender Program (ROP) Unit in San Antonio, TX. An arrest warrant was issued pursuant to an investigation by the MCSO, where it is alleged that Mendoza and Sanchez committed homicide.

Yesterday, members of the LSFTF initiated an investigation in locating and apprehending Mendoza and Sanchez. This evening, through investigative efforts, extensive surveillance, and critical assistance from the MCSO, SAPD Gang and ROP Unit, and Texas Rangers, task force officers determined that Mendoza and Sanchez were hiding out in an apartment located in the 700 block of Cantrell Drive, on the south side of San Antonio. Task force officers observed Sanchez leave the apartment in a vehicle occupied by 2 other passengers. SAPD officers followed the vehicle, initiated a stop of the vehicle, removed Sanchez from the vehicle, and took him into custody without incident. Task force officers later observed Mendoza exit the apartment and walk toward a different vehicle in the parking lot. Task force officers approached Mendoza, identified themselves, and took him into custody without incident.

On June 7, 2015, Mendoza, Sanchez, and Loribeth Martinez, 23, were allegedly involved in killing 2 people, burning the bodies, and abandoning the charred remains in 2 separate fields outside of San Antonio. Reports stated, on June 8, 2015, sheriff deputies responded to a field fire in Medina County, where they found the remains of the first victim. On June 17, 2015, sheriff deputies responded to another field fire in Nueces County, where they found the remains of the second victim. On June 27, 2015, Martinez turned herself into authorities for her involvement in the murders. Arrest warrants were issued that same day for Mendoza and Sanchez who remained fugitives until their capture this evening.

Mendoza and Sanchez are currently being held in custody at the Medina County Sheriff’s Office.

Robert R. Almonte, United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas, states, “Every officer and agency involved in this investigation deserves a special thanks of gratitude for their tireless efforts in tracking down both of these murder suspects. As law enforcement officers we work hard, we work together, and we work to fulfill the mission.”

Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force:

    New Braunfels Police Department

    San Antonio Police Department

    San Antonio Independent School District Police Department

    Bexar County Sheriff’s Office

    Comal County Sheriff’s Office

    Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office

    Bexar County District Attorney’s Office

    Texas Office of The Attorney General

    Texas Department of Public Safety

    Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of the Inspector General

    Immigration & Customs Enforcement – Office of Detention & Removal

    U.S. Marshals Service