News

Suspect in Newman Police Corporal Killing Case Receives Life Sentence

Published

12 months ago

November 6, 2020

MODESTO – Paulo Virgen Mendoza, also known as Gustavo Perez Arriaga, pleaded guilty Thursday to the shooting death of Newman Police Corporal Ronil Singh.

Mendoza was captured after the December 26th, 2018 shooting of Corporal Singh and fleeing south. A relentless search by authorities led to his arrest three days later at a home near Bakersfield. Three other people were arrested in the case for aiding Mendoza. Authorities said he had entered the country illegally, and had two prior DUI arrests in the Madera/Chowchilla area.

The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office said Mendoza entered the guilty plea, admitting to three special circumstances. Those circumstances included committing the murder in an attempt to evade arrest, killing a police officer in the performance of his duties, and discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle with the intent to inflict death.

Mendoza also admitted to acting intentionally, deliberately and with premeditation, as well as intentionally discharging a firearm causing death. Both were enhancements to his charges.

As part of his plea deal, Mendoza waived his right to appeal the decision. In exchange, the District Attorney’s Office agreed to stop seeking the death penalty. Mendoza agreed to life in state prison without the possibility of parole.

Mendoza was sentenced by Judge Ricardo Cordova and remanded for transportation to state prison.

Corporal Singh left behind a wife and infant son of five months at the time of the shooting.

“He came to America to become a police officer,” said Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson during a press conference on December 27th, 2018.

“You have to understand, this was not supposed to happen here.”

Corporal Singh, a K-9 officer with his partner Sam, was a native of Fiji and was deeply loved and respected by his peers and community.

“Please remember the man, please remember what he came to this country to do,” said Richardson. “Yes he was a police officer, but more importantly he was a human being.”

Click below to view original video from the case.

Related Topics:homicide investigation murder newman police Ronil Singh shooting

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Carlos Rodriguez

Carlos Rodriguez is an Emmy Award winning photojournalist specializing in public safety and natural disasters. His passion for local news stems from a deep commitment to his community, with a selfless mission to inform the citizens of the valley. As he worked on assignment for 19 days at the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, California, he spent most of his time helping survivors contact their loved ones to let them know they were ok. Carlos is a veteran of Univision, FOX, and Telemundo TV stations and a native of Modesto, California.

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News

Bomb Squad Called to Mobile Home Park

Published

6 days ago

October 13, 2021

Carlos Rodriguez

STANISLAUS COUNTY – The Stanislaus County Sheriff Bomb Squad responded to a mobile home park Wednesday afternoon for a report of a suspicious package.

The incident happened on the 8000 block of Jantzen Road. Sheriff deputies responded and temporarily closed off access to the park and evacuated neighboring homes.

The Sheriff Bomb Squad later determined the package to be a box of magnets wrapped in leather. The box was delivered to the residence, however no one had ordered it, according to authorities at the scene.

By 3:15pm, access to the park was re-opened to residents.

News

Shooting Victim Expected to Survive

Published

1 week ago

October 11, 2021

Carlos Rodriguez

HUGHSON – Authorities investigated a shooting that injured a 27 year old man Monday afternoon.

The shooting happened shortly before 1:00pm at a mobile home park on Nunes Road, just outside of Keyes. Early reports indicated an argument between a man and a woman had taken place. The report also indicated that the man was trying to enter the woman’s home and she was being attacked.

Deputies found the man in the driveway of the residence suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and was expected to survive.

The involved woman received minor injuries. Authorities do not believe she is the shooter in the case.

Crime scene technicians and investigators responded to examine the scene and gather evidence, however no suspect identity was available Monday afternoon.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Esquivez at (209) 567-4466 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.

News

Authorities Capture Amber Alert Suspect Wanted for Murder

Published

1 week ago

October 9, 2021

Carlos Rodriguez

Photo: San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY – Authorities on Saturday announced the capture of D Angelo Webb after acting on a tip.

Webb was arrested after five hours of negotiation with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. A community tip was credited in helping locate Webb on Ambrose Avenue in the city of Bay Point.

Residents in the home where Webb was found were evacuated, while authorities negotiated for his surrender.

Webb was wanted for the murder of 24 year old Brandi Hornsby and attempted murder of her mother. Authorities allege that Webb stabbed Hornsby’s mother on the 3900 block of East Fremont Street in Stockton. Hornsby was found deceased in the home.

An Amber Alert was issued the night of the attack for six week old Ggiana Webb. The child was located safe with a relative within a couple hours the same night.