Gerald Carl Vanbrakle Jr., a 42-year-old male from Del Valle, Texas, tragically lost his life on February 4, 2022. The incident occurred at a residence on Hayride Circle in Del Valle, where Vanbrakle was shot twice in the face by a .40-caliber handgun. The shooting took place during an argument that escalated while people were attempting to change a flat tire.
Another individual was also shot but survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
Following the incident, Marcos Enrique Mendoza, a 42-year-old male, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Vanbrakle's death. Mendoza confessed to shooting both Vanbrakle and the other victim. The investigation revealed that Mendoza and his relative had driven to the Hayride Circle address after their car got a flat tire. Once there, Mendoza entered a trailer where Vanbrakle and the other victim were present and fired multiple shots.
Mendoza was found hiding on an adjacent property the day after the shooting and was arrested by the Travis County Sheriff's Office with the assistance of SWAT teams. The investigation indicated that Mendoza's actions were likely motivated by an intent to rob the non-fatal victim. The case remains an active investigation, but authorities believe it was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public.
The tragic death of Gerald Carl Vanbrakle Jr. has left a community in mourning, and the legal proceedings against Marcos Enrique Mendoza continue as the justice system seeks to address this senseless act of violence.
