Jose De Jesus Mendoza was 32 when he was fatally shot on March 2, 2015, at El Zocalo Restaurant in Santa Ana, California. The Santa Ana Police Department treated the incident as a homicide and opened an immediate investigation after officers responded to the scene.

Investigators identified two suspects; one named Viyey Castaneda and a second individual whose name was not disclosed. Both were arrested and charged with murder and related offenses after authorities gathered witness statements and reviewed surveillance footage from the restaurant. Prosecutors presented forensic evidence and witness testimony at trial, and a jury found the defendants guilty.

The case drew attention to gang-related activity in the area, which was a focus during the investigation and trial. If anyone knew Jose Mendoza, was present at El Zocalo on March 2, 2015, or has information about the incident, please come forward.