On December 19, 2021, at approximately 12:19 p.m., the Bosque Farms Police Department responded to reports of gunfire and a vehicle crash at a residence on Guadalupe Street in Peralta, New Mexico. Upon arrival, officers discovered a silver pickup truck that had collided with a tree and a deceased female, identified as 29-year-old Rodlyn Delaney Pierce, lying next to the vehicle with an apparent gunshot wound.
Investigations revealed that Brandon Mendoza, 22, accompanied by his 19-year-old sister, Vanessa Mendoza, both from Albuquerque, had driven to the residence. For reasons still under investigation, Brandon Mendoza allegedly fired a weapon at Pierce, resulting in her death at the scene. Following the shooting, the siblings reportedly fled toward Albuquerque in a white Toyota Corolla.
Authorities later located the vehicle at the home of 45-year-old Maria Carter and Vanessa Mendoza. On December 20, 2021, arrest warrants were issued for Brandon and Vanessa Mendoza, as well as Maria Carter. Brandon Mendoza was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence, while Vanessa Mendoza and Maria Carter faced charges of conspiracy and tampering with evidence. Vanessa and Maria were arrested without incident and booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque.
On December 21, 2021, around 5:00 p.m., New Mexico State Police, with assistance from their Tactical Team, apprehended Brandon Mendoza and his father, James Mendoza, at a residence off New Mexico Highway 337 in Tijeras. Both were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Metro Detention Center. James Mendoza had outstanding warrants unrelated to the homicide, including charges of felon in possession of a firearm, battery on a household member resulting in great bodily injury, and resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer.
The tragic death of Rodlyn Pierce has deeply affected the Peralta community. Born on May 4, 1992, in San Ramon, California, to Rodney Pierce and Jackie King, Rodlyn was remembered as a kind and sweet soul who cherished life, people, and especially her puppy, Duke. She was known for leaving love notes and scriptures for her mother around the house. Her passing has left a significant void, particularly for her mother, Jackie King.
