Nevada – A Nevada man pIeaded guiIty earlier this week to one count of murder with the use of a deadIy weapon in connection with the kiIIing of his former spouse, MariIIorky. The guilty plea came just before jury selection was set to begin in county district court. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek a sentence of Iife without the possibiIity of paroIe against the 40-year-old defendant, R. Mendosa.
According to Nevada authorities, the fatal incident occurred in Aug. 2023, at the victim’s parent’s home. Earlier that day, the victim had won custody of their two chiIdren and was awarded the famiIy home and vehicle during a divorce hearing. Later that afternoon, the defendant reporetdly climbed onto the balcony of the victim’s parents’ apartment and confronted her inside. He kicked down a bedroom door where she was hiding, grabbed her by the hair, and shot her three times. He then fired through another door, injuring her mother and brother-in-law.
At the time of the shooting, the victim’s 14-year-old daughter was at school. Upon returning home, she learned from her mother that she had won custody and the family home. Shortly after, she heard gunshots and called 911, saying, “Hurry up, hurry up. He’s got a gun.” There was commotion and screaming in the background, and when she returned to the phone, she said her mother was dead.
The defendant fled the scene but later drove to the police department headquarters, where he approached the Records and Fingerprints Bureau and stated he had just killed his wife. He was taken into custody and treated for a stab wound on his back.
In May last year, the defendant was found incompetent to stand trial after a psychiatrist noted a possible delusional disorder. However, he was later deemed competent, and his trial was scheduled to begin in August 2025.
In an interview with police, the victim’s family member said she had been with her mother shortly before the shooting. At that time, her mother told her she had won in court that day against the defendant and would be receiving the house, the truck, and custody of the children.
A witness who was in the home during the shooting told police that the defendant kicked down the bedroom door where his former spouse was hiding and shot her in the head three times. The witness also said that the defendant told the victim he had warned her not to joke around with him.
The victim had moved to Nevada in 2018 to build a better life for herself and her children. She was described by family and friends as a loving mother who had endured an abusive relationship. Her tragic death has highlighted the dangers faced by individuals leaving abusive relationships, especially when firearms are involved.
The case has drawn attention to the issue of domestic violence and the importance of providing support and resources to those affected. Advocates emphasize the need for increased awareness and intervention to prevent such tragedies.