Dozens attend memorial for woman killed in officer-involved shooting

Sunday, dozens lit candles and laid flowers to remember 20-year-old Brenda Rodriguez-Mendoza. It was there that people said goodbye to a daughter, friend, and relative.

“She was sweet. She was a really sweet girl. Very kind,” said Rodriguez-Mendoza’s cousin, Silvia Hernandez.

On March 1st, Rodriguez-Mendoza was killed in an officer-involved shooting. Salinas Police said this came after she barricaded herself inside her car, armed.

Rodriguez-Mendoza’s cousins said they are frustrated with the way the standoff ended. “The situation could’ve been handled so much better by the police department. If she needed help, they should’ve helped her and they didn’t. Instead, we’re standing here at her viewing,” said Hernandez.

Rodriguez-Mendoza’s mother said her daughter was battling depression and drug addiction up until her death. Child Protective Services took custody of Brenda’s one-month-old daughter, who the family is now working to get back. “We’re just going to fight because all she wanted to do was be with her daughter. Unfortunately, that’s not the case,” said Rodriguez-Mendoza’s cousin, Rosio Garcia.

Hernandez said she won’t have full closure until the family gets answers from police. “We immediately just wanted to know what happened. We’re still trying to look for answers,” said Hernandez.

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office has been searching for answers, as well. Body camera footage has yet to be released, but could be crucial in the investigation and provide clarity for Rodriguez-Mendoza’s family.

“I hope that people don’t forget that her life meant something to all of us,” said Garcia.