Wheatland Police say they found 55-year-old Ralph Mendez shot inside his home. Those who lived near Mendez describe him as a good neighbor. “He has helped all the elderly people on this street,” said Kesterson.

Police audio revealed Banks called dispatch and said he “just shot somebody dead.”We don’t think it was a random act,” said Sylvester. “We believe that the victim was targeted.”

Though police say they don’t have a motive in the killing, neighbors believe the it had to do with the victim’s criminal past, which is known to many in the community. Mendez was released from prison in 2011 after serving two years for lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14.

 Kesterson says despite his criminal past, his neighbor didn’t deserve what happened to him. “Ralph was… He was a very gentle person,” said Kesterson. “I figure he’s done his time.”
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