Steven Mendoza: Four Houston teens charged with capital murder following gas station clerk's death
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
HOUSTON, TEXAS: Four teenagers in Houston are now facing capital murder charges in connection with the tragic shooting of convenience store clerk Steven Mendoza.
Mendoza, affectionately known as "Fluffy" by many, was fatally shot during an overnight shift at a gas station near Hobby Airport on March 20.
The arrests of two suspects, aged 16 or younger, occurred over the past two and a half weeks and were announced by the Houston Police Department. Two 14-year-olds were apprehended by HPD's Southeast Division Crime Suppression team approximately a week after the murder.
Insights into the tragic shooting
According to authorities, the four teenagers are accused of attempting to rob the Chevron gas station on the corner of Gulf Freeway and Monroe Road on the night of the incident.
During the robbery, one of the suspects allegedly shot and killed Mendoza, who was 42 years old.
Travis Heinrichs, a dear friend of Mendoza, cherishes memories of him under the affectionate nickname "Fluffy," which epitomized his kind-hearted nature and generous demeanor.
Heinrichs shared, “Most people know him as fluff or fluffy,” while noting that some referred to him as "the big guy," as reported by Click2Houston.
They first crossed paths during their tenure in security roles several years back. “Fluffy was never friend,” Heinrichs added. “That’s my brother. He’s always said, you know, this ain’t my first rodeo. I’ve been here before.”
Surveillance footage unveils the gas station crime scene
Surveillance footage obtained from nearby businesses captured a light-colored sedan arriving at the gas station around 12:42 am. Individuals from the vehicle entered the store, and moments later, fled the scene after the fatal shooting and robbery.
“I hope and pray HPD is doing everything that they possibly can find the three people that did this because they deserve the worst,” Heinrichs alleged.
Meanwhile, Mendoza's loved ones, including his wife and young daughter, are grappling with the loss of a man known for his selflessness and devotion to others.
“It’s just, it’s not fair. It’s not fair for his wife. It’s not fair for his kids. And it’s it’s just not fair for the friends and family that that now don’t have Fluffy,” Heinrichs stated.
