MOISES SANDAVAL MENDOZA was placed in the Collin County Jail under a $500,000 bond for the murder of Rachelle O’Neil Tolleson.

Moises Mendoza was a 2001 graduate of Farmersville High School, where the victim also went to school. Even though they went to the same school they did not date, or really know each other until about 6 weeks ago when they met again at Collin County Community College.

Moises Mendoza was seen at a friend’s house Jeremy Neil, and Travis Rose, the same night that Rachelle disappeared. According to today’s press conference, “They were drinking quite a bit and they were visiting and talking Wednesday night, March 17^th.” Mendoza had three Grand Jury warrants out for his arrest for aggravated assault, and robbery charges back in November. Why he wasn’t picked up for these warrants, I don’t know. Perhaps if he had been under arrest he would not have been free to assault Rachelle Tolleson at her home that Wednesday night. Mrs. Tolleson was brutally strangled, her body hidden behind Mendoza’s house, and then her body was burned, moved, and placed out off of Highway 380 in the far fields close to Copeville and Greenville.

Rachelle O’Neil Tolleson’s funeral will be held Saturday in Farmersville. (See Obituary Section for funeral details)

The 6 month-old daughter, Avery has a special fund set up for her at First National Bank Farmersville on McKinney Street. Bank president, Craig Overstreet is the contact person if you wish to contribute for Avery’s cause. It is a good cause if there ever was one!

The arrest of Mendoza is soon to be followed by others that were involved. A $20,000 reward is a good cause to help find the truth in this matter. To make it all complete: 11 more suspects are also being considered in her kidnapping and murder.

All these details make for a tough situation: for I know the parents of this accused youth. Moises is the youngest of the Mendoza family. His father “Poncho” Conception Mendoza has been a friend to my family for many years. Poncho worked tirelessly, and harder than I have ever seen a human being work. He helped my father for many years at my family’s orchard. He stood beside me as a friend to console me when my twin brother John was killed in a terrible traffic accident in December 1997. He is the kind of friend that you would want to have beside you, in your corner if there was trouble. He got the job done and he tried harder than anyone I knew to make things work out better for you. When I thought about this being his youngest son, I was just devastated. I feel that sometimes when you try your best to help someone do right, things don’t work out for you. I was a member of “Tough Love” in Garland for about 3 years with some kids of a woman I dated. I saw this same scenario occur many times: A parent, or parents try their best; and no matter what they do, the kid takes their own path and goes against the parent wishes to do evil.  “The Prodigal Son.” (Or Daughter.)

So when you say your prayers at night remember that there are many victims here, and that several parents are grieving, along with the rest of us here. Remember them in your prayers also. Those of you that are involved in this murder, or helped by being involved with this; I hope you are sleeping well at night! I hope you are hearing Rochelle’s words, “Help my daughter, she needs me…!” Remember this as you try to sleep.