Robert Mendoza, 45, was found dead from a gunshot inside a vehicle on the evening of Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the 800 block of South County Road 200 West near Frankfort, Indiana. The initial call came about 9:15 p.m. as a report of a vehicle crash; responding officers from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office and the Frankfort Police Department determined the vehicle had been struck by gunfire. Investigators say the events began at a location south of where Mendoza’s vehicle was found and ended just inside the Frankfort city limits, suggesting a pursuit or mobile altercation.

Mendoza was a railroad worker, a former professional boxer and a local artist, and a father of six. Within 24 hours of the discovery, authorities identified and arrested two Frankfort residents, 24-year-old Jose Armando Castellon Garcia and 19-year-old Cristian Piceno Castellon, who were preliminarily charged with murder. The Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office later filed murder charges against both men and the case remains active.

If anyone knew Robert Mendoza, his movements on July 18, or saw a vehicle or persons traveling on South County Road 200 West that night, please share what was seen with investigators.