Five years ago this April, Moises Sandoval Mendoza—described by a prosecutor as one of the most “violent, sadistic men” he had ever encountered—was sentenced to death in Texas.
If carried out, it will mark the state’s third execution this year and the 13th nationwide.
At the time of her death, Tolleson was a young mother to her 6-month-old daughter, Avery. She enjoyed hobbies like scrapbooking and shopping, but according to her mother, Pam O’Neil, it was Avery who gave her life meaning—she was “her oxygen.”
“What breaks my heart is that Avery won’t have any memories of her.”
Over time, Mendoza’s case drew widespread attention.
On April 2, Mendoza’s attorneys filed a request seeking permission to challenge his conviction in federal court.
What was Moises Mendoza convicted of?
In the early morning hours of March 18, 2004, Rachelle O’Neil Tolleson was at home with her 6-month-old daughter, Avery, in Farmersville, Texas—a small community located about 40 miles northeast of Dallas. At the time, Tolleson was going through a divorce and living alone with her infant daughter.
While driving, Mendoza said he suddenly began choking Tolleson “for no reason.” He then drove to a field near his home, where he sexually assaulted her and choked her again, according to the documents.
Mendoza told police he dragged Tolleson out of his truck and choked her once more until he believed she was dead. He then left her body in the field, where it remained for several days before authorities interviewed him in connection with her disappearance, according to court records.
Who is Moises Mendoza?
Neighbors once described Mendoza as “hard-working,” but said his behavior changed over time. According to a report by The Courier-Gazette, one disturbing incident involved a “violent argument” during which Mendoza allegedly pinned down his mother and sister in their front yard.
Court records show that Mendoza graduated from high school, where he performed “fairly well” academically. He earned a few scholarships and went on to complete approximately nine months of training in heating and air-conditioning after graduation.
Mendoza and Tolleson had known each other for much of their lives, having attended the same grade school classes in northern Texas, according to Tolleson’s mother, Pam O’Neil, who spoke about their history in the same Forensic Files episode. Just days before the murder, Mendoza had attended a gathering at Tolleson’s home with around 15 other people, court documents reveal.
During Mendoza’s trial, clinical psychologist Mark Vigen described him as “immature” and “psychologically under-developed,” noting that he appeared to enjoy being deceptive and reacted with anger when criticized.