Good Samaritan Family Gunned Down: Outrage Builds After Mexican Immigrant Jesus Deniz Slays Family Who Tried To Help Him

A Good Samaritan family was gunned down while trying to help a stranded motorist, and now outrage is building after it was revealed that the man accused of the slaying is a Mexican immigrant who could have faced deportation for a past crime.

Police in Montana say 18-year-old Jesus Yeizon Deniz Mendoza shot and killed Jason and Tana Shane and wounded their daughter after the couple stopped to help him. Mendoza then pulled a gun and demanded money, but the couple told him they had none, an FBI affidavit filed in federal court noted. Deniz began to walk away but returned and opened fire, the court filing noted.

The police report noted that the Good Samaritan family was gunned down for no reason at all.

The Washington Times reported the incident.

“Mr. Deniz told the FBI he shot the three people with a .22 caliber rifle because he was tired of waiting, and because he thought he heard the daughter laughing at him, FBI Special Agent Larry J. McGrail II said in the affidavit.”

Deniz is Mexican, having entered the United States legally on May 31, 2013. Though it was initially reported that he was an illegal immigrant, outrage is still growing after he was allowed to remain in the United States after being arrested in Wyoming on burglary charges. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers said they could not take action against Deniz as his crime didn’t reach the level of deportation.

The killing sparked outrage, especially amid the ongoing debate over immigration. Presidential candidate Donald Trump recently made remarks against illegal immigrants, saying Mexico is sending dangerous criminals to the United States.

But after allegedly gunning down the Good Samaritan family, Jesus Deniz may not face deportation after all.

“This individual does not have any criminal convictions, and, as a permanent resident, is not currently removable. Thus, an ICE detainer cannot be placed on the individual at this time,” the agency said in a statement. “However, ICE is closely monitoring this case and coordinating with local authorities. If he is convicted for a criminal offense that allows him to be removed from the country, after the completion of sentence, ICE intends to take him into custody and pursue his removal from the United States.”

The Good Samaritan family gunned down was known for going out of their way to help others. Family members said it was common for the Shanes to lend a hand to those in need.

[Image via Park County Sheriff’s Office]