Nathan Cortinas, a 20-year-old Hispanic male from Goliad, Texas, tragically died on June 13, 2019. Nathan was born on June 17, 1999, in Cuero, Texas, to Bridget Hernandez and Noel Cortinas Jr. He attended Goliad High School and later worked for his grandfather at Angel's Fencing, building fences.
Nathan's death was the result of a shooting incident that occurred on June 13, 2019. The incident took place at his trailer home in Goliad, where he lived with his girlfriend, Brianna Bexley, and their young son, Zayden Andrew Cortinas. During the incident, Nathan was shot by his cousin, Daniel Mendoza. Brianna Bexley was also injured in the shooting.
Following the incident, Daniel Mendoza was arrested and charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and child endangerment. The trial revealed that Mendoza, along with several accomplices, had stolen firearms prior to the shooting. Mendoza was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to ninety-nine years' imprisonment for murder, twenty years' imprisonment for aggravated assault, and two years' imprisonment for child endangerment.
The case, known as Mendoza v. State, was heard by the Court of Appeals of Texas, Thirteenth District, Corpus Christi-Edinburg. The court affirmed Mendoza's conviction and sentence, rejecting his appeal that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to present evidence of insanity caused by voluntary intoxication at the punishment phase of his trial.
Nathan Cortinas' death was a tragic event that deeply affected his family and the community in Goliad. His memory is honored by those who knew and loved him, and his family continues to seek justice for his untimely passing.
