Man Suspected of Murdering “Good Samaritan” Family Captured in Wyoming

Sheriff Scott Steward of Park County, Wyoming has confirmed with KGVO News that his deputies have taken a man by the name of Jesus Mendoza into custody.18-year old Mendoza is suspected of gunning down a family of three on the Crow Indian Reservation near Pryor after they stopped to do a good deed and help what appeared to be a stranded vehicle. After shooting the family, he then stole their vehicle, which he was later captured in after he crossed the Wyoming boarder.

According to Sheriff Steward, Mendoza is not wanted for any crimes in Wyoming and, although he was armed when captured, the vehicle is currently locked up and has not been searched for more evidence.

The family that was shot include Jason Shane, Tana Shane and their daughter Jora Shane. Two of the family members were killed and one is hospitalized.

Below is a press release posted on the Park County Sheriff's website and Facebook page that includes the story of Mendoza's capture:

Montana Murder Suspect Apprehended North of Meeteetse

A suspect wanted in connection with a double homicide this morning on the Crow Indian Reservation in Big Horn County, Montana was apprehended on County Road 3LE north of Meeteetse by officers from the Park County Sheriff’s Office and Wyoming Highway Patrol.

At 10:30 a.m. this morning, the Park County 911 Communications Center received information from Big Horn County, MT to be on the lookout for a 2006 silver/gray Pontiac G6 with Montana registration wanted in connection with a double homicide that had just occurred. The exact direction of travel was unknown at the time but all surrounding agencies were alerted to watch for this vehicle.

At 11:49 a.m. a Park County Sheriff’s deputy spotted the vehicle southbound on Highway 120 at milepost 68 which is just north of the Stage Stop. The deputy immediately turned and began following the suspect vehicle. The initial reports were that this homicide suspect was armed and to be considered dangerous, therefore the deputy made the decision not to attempt apprehension until he had backup officers available. A trooper from the Wyoming Highway Patrol was nearest to the location and was immediately dispatched to assist.

At 12:11 p.m., the suspect vehicle turned northeast on County Road 3LE commonly referred to as the Burlington cut across with the deputy continuing to follow for approximately 12 miles. At 12:30 p.m., upon arrival of the Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper, a traffic stop was initiated and the suspect taken into custody without incident.

The suspect is currently being held in investigatory custody for another agency in the Park County Detention Center. His identity is being withheld at the request of the lead investigating agency. The homicide investigation is being handled by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Agency, Montana.

Sheriff Steward praised the decisions by both officers involved which resulted in a safe and efficient apprehension of a dangerous fugitive. “The decision by the deputy to wait for backup was absolutely the right thing to do,” commented Steward. “And I want to thank the members of the Wyoming Highway Patrol for their immediate response. This was a joint effort all the way.”