News Summary
Jordan Peter Mendez, a 30-year-old from Santa Ana, has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter following the tragic death of his infant son, Tristin. Convicted of felonies, Mendez is sentenced to nine years in prison, effectively seen as time served. The court highlighted the severe injuries to the infant and Mendez’s actions leading up to the death, which prompted a jury to convict him. This case underscores the grave responsibilities of parenthood and the legal system’s stance on child endangerment.
Santa Ana – Jordan Peter Mendez, a 30-year-old man from Santa Ana, has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for the tragic death of his infant son, Tristin Cota La Verne Mendez. He was convicted on Tuesday of both involuntary manslaughter and lewd or lascivious acts with a minor under 14, each considered felonies. Following his conviction, Mendez has been sentenced to nine years in prison. However, due to being in custody since July 19, 2015, his sentence is effectively seen as time served.
On the evening of July 17, 2015, Santa Ana police responded to a call for medical assistance at 811 W. Stevens Ave. Upon arrival around 8:44 p.m., they discovered Tristin not breathing and exhibiting several visible injuries. Reports indicated that the infant had bruises on the left side of his face, a subdural hematoma, retinal hemorrhage in both eyes, and a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Despite medical efforts to revive him, Tristin was placed on life support and was pronounced dead three days later on July 20, 2015.
At the time of the incident, Mendez was responsible for caring for Tristin while the boy’s mother stepped out to pick up her brother from work around 1 p.m. Mendez allegedly took Tristin for a stroller ride to a nearby drug store sometime between 4 and 5 p.m. During this outing, he reportedly did not bring any formula or diapers for the infant. Upon the mother’s return home around 7 p.m., she became alarmed when she realized Mendez was unprepared for the baby’s needs.
When Mendez returned home around 8 p.m. with Tristin, the mother found her son cold to the touch and with a blue face, which prompted her to call for emergency assistance. Mendez initially claimed he had not harmed the baby but left the home before police arrived, eventually being located at a nearby coffee shop. His narrative shifted from initially stating he forgot the diapers and attempted to clean Tristin to a later admission that he had accidentally dropped the baby and shook him “a few times.”
Surveillance footage revealed Mendez at a Ross Department Store with Tristin for approximately 30 minutes prior to returning home. The circumstances leading to Tristin’s death and Mendez’s actions during that critical time played a significant role in the jury’s decision to convict him.
Additionally, the lewd or lascivious acts conviction stems from the circumstances surrounding Tristin’s conception, as Mendez was just 18 years old and Tristin’s mother was 13 at the time. This aspect of the case highlights further issues surrounding child protection and the responsibilities of caregivers.
As the case concludes, it marks a somber reminder of the responsibilities inherent in parenthood and the tragic consequences when those responsibilities are neglected. The court’s decision and subsequent sentencing signal the legal system’s stance on child endangerment and abuse cases.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Man Convicted of Manslaughter
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- New Santa Ana: DUI Collision Arrest
- Google Search: Santa Ana Crime News
- My News LA: Man Gets 9 Years for Race Incident
- Google Scholar: Involuntary Manslaughter
- ABC7: Judge Found Guilty of Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Justice
- LA Times: DUI Fatal Crash Trial
- Google News: Santa Ana Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
