By Eric Rosario
Arizona police have identified the suspects involved in the murder of Kevin Mendiola, Jr. and the shooting injuries of Kevin's girlfriend and younger brother.
Shawn McDonnell, 30, Christopher McDonell, 28, and Kayleigh Lewis, 25, were captured by the Arizona Department of Public Safety hours after at least two of them allegedly shot up the 7-eleven in Henderson, Nevada, where Mendiola, his girlfriend, his brother, and two others were early Thanksgiving morning.
The three suspects were shooting at cars driving by a busy Arizona highway about 200 miles south of Las Vegas. Police engaged at least one of the suspects, when a gunfight broke out shortly before their capture. Henderson police officials said at least two of the three suspects were wanted in Mr. Mendiola's murder, and shooting incidences that occurred in nearby areas in Henderson.
The Henderson Police Department has said the shootings appear to have been random acts of senseless violence.
Mr. Mendiola's father, Kevin Mendiola, has expressed his family's grief and their requests for prayer during this difficult time for them.
The grieving father explained on social media that his sons stopped by the store to get a drink and were on their way home, when the shootings started.
"My boys were just cruising around blasting to [their] favorite music and enjoying the scenery in their trucks and cars that they build and love so much," Mr. Mendiola wrote. "They were about to hit the lake road and loop around back home. Just stopped for a drink, and thats when the nightmare started."
"Preliminarily, it is believed that the suspects were driving around the city randomly shooting at citizens with no apparent motive," according to a statement from the HPD. "The suspects were later located and taken into custody for unrelated charges by Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS)."
Anyone with information in this case is urged to call the Henderson Police Department at 702- 267-4911, 3-1-1, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or visit Crime Stoppers website. Tips directly leading to a felony arrest or an indictment processed through Crime Stoppers may result in a cash reward.
"Hug your Family and tell them you Love them," Mr. Mendiola wrote on a social media post. "My Sons always tells everyone they Love them. Take care of Sonya my Boy. We are devastated but we Know You Are Gods Arms right now. Love you my Boy. I'll take care of your Brother, Sister and Mom while you keep watch from up above, even tho things will never be the same."
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