News

Suspect in Newman Police Corporal Killing Case Receives Life Sentence

Published

4 years 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

Woman Dies from Burn Injuries

Published

2 weeks ago

July 9, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

Deputies investigate the scene on Robertson Road where a woman was found burned on July 4th. Photo by Gaby Muro.

MODESTO – A woman who suffered burn injuries at a Robertson Road home on July 4th died from her injuries, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Reported.

Firefighters with Burbank-Paradise Fire Department and Stanislaus County Sheriff Deputies responded to a home on the 1900 block of Robertson Road for a report of a person on fire. Arriving personnel found a woman who had suffered burns over 80% of her body. She was transported to an area hospital by ambulance and later flown to a Sacramento burn center. The victim, identified as 52 year old Andrea Benning, died two days later.

Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit and Fire Investigators responded to conduct an investigation of the incident. According to the sheriff’s office, the fire was contained to the area where the victim was found inside the home. Several people at the scene were also interviewed regarding what happened.

Authorities are still working to determine whether the incident was accidental or intentional. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Jorge Perez at (209) 567-4466 or Crime stoppers at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.

News

Shooting Injures Two Men in Stockton

Published

2 months ago

May 27, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

Police close off a roadway where two men were found shot.

STOCKTON – Two men were taken to a hospital after suffering injuries in a shooting Sunday night.

At about 10:18pm officers were called to the area Cemetery Lane and Harding Street for a report of two men shot. Both victims were taken to a local hospital and are expected to survive their injuries.

A short time later a crime scene was located near the area of 10th and Ophir Streets. There was no suspect information available at time of publication.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Stockton Police Department at (209) 937-8377 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600 where callers can remain anonymous.

News

Man Dies From Gunshot Wounds, Police Investigate

Published

2 months ago

May 17, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

Police officers investigate a shooting on Dijon Street on May 12th 2024.

STOCKTON – A 39 year old man died of his injuries from a shooting on Mother’s Day, police reported Friday.

The shooting happened May 12th at about 9:40pm. Officers responded to a report of a person shot on the 2000 block of Dijon Street. Arriving officers found the victim and began providing aid until medics transported him to a hospital for care.

On Thursday May 16th, investigators were notified that the victim died. No releasable suspect information or a motive was available Friday.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Stockton Police Department at (209) 937-8377 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600 where callers can remain anonymous.