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Suspect in Newman Police Corporal Killing Case Receives Life Sentence

Published

3 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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Officer Involved Shooting Investigated in Stockton

Published

3 days ago

June 4, 2023

Carlos Rodriguez

Authorities investigate an officer involved shooting near Hammer Lane and Mariner's Drive Sunday night.

STOCKTON – A section of Hammer Lane West of Interstate 5 was closed down Sunday evening after a shooting involving authorities.

The incident occurred at about 8:00pm near the intersection of Hammer Lane and Mariner’s Drive. Hammer Lane was closed down to traffic at the Southbound exit/entrance to Interstate 5.

Both Stockton Police Officers and Officers with California Highway Patrol were on scene. The circumstances surrounding the incident were not available Sunday night, but there did appear to be on person deceased at the scene.

Residents who were trying to reach their homes on Mariner’s Drive were unable to early on in the investigation. A nearby gas station was also closed off with crime scene tape.

More details will be posted as they become available.

News

Turlock Police Investigate Fatal Stabbing of Teen

Published

4 days ago

June 3, 2023

Carlos Rodriguez

TURLOCK – Detectives are investigating the fatal stabbing of a seventeen year old boy that took place Friday night.

Authorities believe that the victim was leaving a house party near the 2000 block of North Daubenberger Road at about 10:45pm, when police received the call reporting the stabbing had taken place.

Arriving officers found the teen on the sidewalk suffering from at least one stab wound. Officers began performing CPR until the victim was transported by medics to a hospital. The victim died about an hour later.

Detectives interviewed witnesses who stayed behind and believe a group of individuals, either white or Hispanic males in their teens or early 20’s, confronted the victim as he was leaving the party. A fight then took place, ending with the victim being stabbed. Friends of the victim called 911 for help.

Further information was not available Saturday morning.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Frank Navarro at (209) 664-7319 or the Turlock Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780. Crime Stoppers is also available at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.

News

Arrest Made in February 14th Homicide

Published

5 days ago

June 2, 2023

Carlos Rodriguez

Investigators examine a crime scene where a homicide took place on El Dorado Street on February 14th, 2023.

STOCKTON – A 41 year old man was arrested by authorities in connection to a homicide that took place on February 14th of this year.

Shortly before 3:00am that morning, police officers responded to the 600 block of North El Dorado Street for a report of a person down. Arriving officers located a 60 year old man who was suffering from stab wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Throughout the course of the investigation, authorities were able to identify and arrest 41 year old Robert Lee Sandoval Friday in connection to the case. He was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail without possibility of bail on a murder charge.

Sandoval is due in San Joaquin County Superior Court Tuesday afternoon.