John Mendez was 60 and a military veteran when he was shot and killed on September 7, 2022, in San Leandro, California. He worked as an armored truck security guard for GardaWorld and was exiting the Kaiser Hospital campus just before noon carrying a messenger bag with currency when he was critically injured by a gunshot wound to the back of his head; he died several hours later.

Police investigation led to the arrest of Akbar Bey, a former GardaWorld colleague who had been terminated for stealing money. Surveillance video, phone records and FBI assistance were used to track Bey to his Oakland home; detectives recovered evidence there and Bey confessed to the murder and robbery. Investigators say Bey’s apparent motive was financial, noting his possession of a gold 2004 Porsche and a new cell phone after his termination.

Authorities believe additional suspects or accomplices were involved and continue to seek them. If anyone knew John, saw activity around the Kaiser Hospital campus on September 7, 2022, or has information about other people involved, please come forward.