UPDATE: NMSP Investigating a Homicide in Peralta, NM

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Written by Officer Dusty Francisco 12/21/2021

This update gives details leading up to the arrest of Brandon Mendoza and James Mendoza.

On December 21, 2021, at about 5:00 p.m., the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau with assistance from the New Mexico State Police Tactical Team located and arrested Brandon Mendoza, and his father James Mendoza, without incident at a residence off New Mexico Highway 337 in Tijeras, NM. Both Brandon and James will be transported and booked into the Metro Detention Center.

Peralta, NM – On December 19, 2021, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested by the Bosque Farms Police Department (BFPD) to investigate a shooting in Peralta, NM.

Agents learned at approximately 12:19 p.m., BFPD was called to #6 Guadalupe in Peralta for a report of shots fired and a vehicle crash at the residence. When BFPD officers arrived, they located a silver pickup truck that had crashed into a tree, and a deceased female victim lying on the ground next to the vehicle with an apparent gunshot wound.

Through investigation and interviews, it was learned a male individual, identified as the suspect Brandon Mendoza (22), and his sister, Vanessa Mendoza (19) both of Albuquerque drove to #6 Guadalupe. For reasons still under investigation Brandon fired his weapon at the victim. The female victim, who was identified as Rodlyn Pierce (29) of Valencia County died on scene.

After the shooting, agents learned both Brandon and Vanessa fled the scene in a white Toyota Corolla towards Albuquerque. Agents later located and seized the vehicle at the home of Maria Carter (45) and Vanessa Mendoza.

On December 20, 2021, an arrest warrant was issued through the Valencia County Magistrate Court for Brandon Mendoza and Vanessa Mendoza. An arrest warrant was also issued for Maria Carter on December 20, 2021, through the Bernalillo County Metro Court in Albuquerque. Brandon Mendoza was charged with Murder in the 1st Degree and Tampering with Evidence. Vanessa Mendoza and Maria Carter were both charged with Conspiracy and Tampering with Evidence.

On December 20, 2021, Vanessa Mendoza and Maria Carter were both arrested without incident and booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque, NM.

James Mendoza remains outstanding and is wanted on unrelated charges to the homicide. James has outstanding arrest warrants for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Battery on a Household Member (Great Bodily Injury), and Resisting, Evading, or Obstructing an Officer. James Mendoza is a person of interest in the homicide investigation and is the father of Brandon Mendoza.

The New Mexico State Police is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Brandon Mendoza and James Mendoza. Brandon Mendoza is described as a Hispanic male, 5’8” tall, 140 pounds, with brown eyes, and black hair. James Mendoza is described as a Hispanic male, 5’6” tall, 150 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Brandon Mendoza and James Mendoza is asked to please contact the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau at (505) 228-6046 or dial 911.