Magdaleno Mendoza Jr., 36, has been charged with provocation manslaughter in the shooting death of Jorge Fonseca, a beloved youth baseball coach who was killed outside a Birmingham barbershop while his wife and four children were inside, authorities said.
Background
The fatal shooting occurred Saturday evening outside a barbershop located at 260 West Valley Avenue in a strip mall in Birmingham, Alabama. The Birmingham Police Department said the suspect and victim knew each other prior to the incident.
According to investigators, an argument between Mendoza and Fonseca turned physical just outside the establishment before Mendoza allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot Fonseca. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended by police approximately 15 minutes later.
Fonseca, known as "Coach George" in the local baseball community, served as a coach with the Wow Factor 205 youth baseball organization. His family, including his wife and four children, were inside the barbershop at the time of the shooting. Additional details about their whereabouts during the incident have not been released.
The victim's friend Troy Whetstone told WBRC that he had been with Fonseca and his son the night before the shooting. Whetstone's son played on a baseball team coached by Fonseca.
The Investigation
Birmingham Police detectives arrested Mendoza shortly after the shooting. He has been charged with provocation manslaughter, a charge that can be applied under Alabama law when someone recklessly causes another person's death during "sudden heat of passion" following adequate provocation.
The case remains under investigation by the Birmingham Police Department's homicide unit. No additional details regarding potential motives or the nature of the argument have been publicly released pending further probe.
Key Takeaways
- Jorge Fonseca, 36, was a youth baseball coach with Wow Factor 205 in Birmingham, Alabama
- Magdaleno Mendoza Jr., also 36, has been charged with provocation manslaughter
- The shooting occurred outside a barbershop while victim's family was inside the establishment
- Suspect and victim were acquainted prior to the incident, police say
- An argument turned physical before the fatal shooting, according to investigators
- Police apprehended suspect approximately 15 minutes after the shooting
What's Next
Mendoza is expected to face initial court proceedings on the provocation manslaughter charge. The Birmingham Police Department continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and may pursue additional charges as evidence develops. Authorities have not indicated whether prosecutors will upgrade the charge.
The Wow Factor 205 community has expressed grief over the loss of a mentor described as devoted to his players both on and off the field.