MAN SENTENCED IN BROWNSVILLE COP SHOOTING

December 16, 2008  Print    Email this Article   No Comments

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After several days of listening to testimonies, the jury of the 357th judicial district court sentenced Cecilio Mendoza to 47 years in prison. All this for attempted capital murder of a police officer and burglary of a habitation. For three straight weeks, a jury in Cameron County decided the fate of 24-year-old Cecilio Mendoza who shot Brownsville police officer Rolando Trujillo during a home invasion on the 1300 block of Barnard road. Today they sentenced him to 47 years for attempted capital murder and 15 years for breaking into the residence, both of which are to be served at the same time. Mendoza did not show any emotion after hearing his sentence, but officer Trujillo, on the other hand, was a little upset.
Victim officer Rolando Trujillo.- “The jury came up with the decision of 47 years. In their mind that is a just cause, but do you feel satisfied? I have to, not deep inside though”
First assistant district attorney, Chuck Mattingly, aimed at a life sentence because the defendant shot a police officer in the line of duty and has a long criminal history.
Chuck Mattingly, first assistant district attorney.- “Since the time the defendant turned 18 he has committed felonies, been on probation, been in state jail, been in the penitentiary or on parole”
The incident occurred on February 25th, 2007 when officers helped a family that was being held at gunpoint by Mendoza and his accomplice, Jose Limon, while they ransacked the residence. A firefight broke out and officer Trujillo was wounded. Limon on the other hand died on the scene.
“I did it for a little girl. I told her that I would get her out. I talked to her and she said thanks for giving me a second opportunity. I told her I would get her out”.- Mattingly
It cost him his left ring finger, but he secured the residence. Trujillo says it is a risk that police officers take to save a life.
Officer Trujillo: “I still do my duty to the citizens of Brownsville and if I encounter another similar situation I would do it again”
Mendoza could qualify for probation after completing half of his sentence, which will be in 23 and half years. Tonight he is back at the Cameron County jail.