5 years later, SAPD still looking for suspects in 'random' killing

$20,000 reward guaranteed for information leading to arrests

SAN ANTONIO – In the five years since Eric Mendoza's death, his mother has worked to keep his memory alive. She's also helped in the effort to find his killers.

She's had digital billboards put up near Interstate 35 and Rittiman Road -- where it's believed Mendoza first came into contact with whoever killed him.

She's raised $15,000 to go along with the $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

Still, the people responsible have not been caught.

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San Antonio police said that while they don't know who killed Mendoza, they believe they know why.

"Eric was the victim of a random act of violence that most likely stemmed from a road rage incident," Sgt. Jesse Salame said.

What happened to Mendoza?

Police believe Mendoza left work Oct. 21, 2010, around 1 a.m. and was on I-35 near Rittiman Road when he first encountered his assailants. Mendoza left the highway with them following him.

"9-1-1 dispatchers received multiple calls to the 5000 block of Village Path for a report of an accident and a shooting," Salame said. "(Mendoza) had crashed into another vehicle parked on the street."

Mendoza was shot several times. He died instantly.

"The people that shot Eric probably didn't know him. We have no reason to believe that Eric did anything other than just leave work at the wrong time," Salame said.

While witnesses did not get a good look at the assailants, they described the getaway car as a dark blue sedan.

Police said those responsible for Mendoza's death would have started covering their tracks right after the crime.

"Maybe try to get rid of a gun, maybe try to sell the vehicle or get rid of the vehicle really cheaply," Salame said.

Running out of leads

Reward money, billboards, even annual news stories keeping word of the unsolved crime in circulation haven't helped police pinpoint any suspects.

"I have no doubts that somebody knows something. People talk. It's been over five years and I think that somebody has been told something," Salame said.

Police are hopeful that at some point the people who know the killers will contact them.

"Anyone that has any little piece of information -- anything will help," Salame said.

If that minor detail helps police make an arrest, Crime Stoppers will guarantee $20,000 in reward money. If you believe you have information on this case, call 210-224-STOP.


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