BRAZORIA CO. — The deputy involved in the June 1 shooting death of John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. has been terminated for policy violations, according to Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman.

In a video statement released Tuesday, Stallman announced that Deputy Kevin Tippit’s employment with the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office had been terminated effective immediately.

According to Stallman, the decision was based on policy violations related to the handling and discharge of Tippit’s firearm.

Stallman said the decision was made based on information currently available to him and is separate from any criminal investigation into the shooting.

“My decision is entirely independent of the ongoing criminal investigation and should not be interpreted as a conclusion regarding criminal liability,” Stallman said in the statement.

The sheriff said the Texas Rangers are conducting an independent investigation into the events surrounding Mendoza’s death. He said the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office and a grand jury will ultimately determine whether any legal action is warranted based on the facts developed during the investigation.

Stallman also addressed the Mendoza family directly, acknowledging the loss of their son and expressing condolences.

“Your family’s loss is permanent, and your grief is real,” Stallman said.

The sheriff said he remains committed to transparency but noted that legal and investigative limitations restrict what information can currently be released. He said additional information would be provided as those limitations change.

Stallman said the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office will continue cooperating with the Texas Rangers and supporting the work of prosecutors as the investigation moves forward.