In the early hours of a Sunday morning in Norcross, Georgia, a celebration of new life at a baby shower took a tragic and violent turn, ending in the death of 39-year-old Angel Mendoza. On April 16, 2023, at a home on Pepperwood Trail, what should have been a joyous occasion devolved into a fatal altercation. The male victim, a father of six, was attending the party with his wife when the festive atmosphere was shattered by a reckless act of gunfire.
The incident began when a guest, who was reportedly intoxicated, accidentally shot himself in the leg. Concerned for the safety of the children and other guests present, Mendoza intervened, taking the firearm from the individual to prevent any further mishaps. This act of responsibility, however, provoked a confrontation with another guest, 26-year-old Esteven Avila-Vega. Witnesses reported that Avila-Vega became angry that the gun had been taken away and demanded its return. The argument escalated, and Avila-Vega's girlfriend, 26-year-old Sulma Mejia-Orellana, allegedly struck Mendoza over the head with a beer bottle.
Following the initial dispute, Avila-Vega left the party, only to return shortly after with another firearm. He then opened fire on Mendoza, shooting him multiple times in front of the remaining guests. Prosecutors later stated that Mendoza was shot 13 times, with some reports indicating Avila-Vega continued to pull the trigger even after the weapon was empty. Angel Mendoza was pronounced dead at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds.
Law enforcement responded to the scene at approximately 1:10 a.m. and quickly identified Esteven Avila-Vega and Sulma Mejia-Orellana as the suspects. They were both taken into custody later that day. Avila-Vega was charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Mejia-Orellana was charged with aggravated assault. Both were initially held at the Gwinnett County Jail. In a move that angered Mendoza's family, Avila-Vega was later granted a $70,000 bond and released, with his attorney arguing self-defense.
Ultimately, a Gwinnett County jury found Esteven Avila-Vega guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. In June 2025, he was sentenced to life in prison plus five years. The case against Sulma Mejia-Orellana on the aggravated assault charge was still pending.
