Suspect Charged Following South Forsyth Shooting Investigation

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A man is in custody after investigators say he shot his roommate during an incident in South Forsyth County on Tuesday night.

According to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call shortly before 8 p.m. on May 6 at a residence on Shiloh Road. When deputies arrived, they found an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Deputies provided emergency medical treatment at the scene before the victim was transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities said the victim remains in critical condition.

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Unit launched an investigation and quickly identified the suspect as 35-year-old Jose Luis Delgado Mendoza, who investigators said was the victim’s roommate.

Detectives, along with the agency’s Fugitive Unit and additional sheriff’s office personnel, searched throughout the night and into the following morning to locate Mendoza. Authorities said he was found shortly before noon the next day near Redi Road in central Forsyth County and was taken into custody without incident, less than 24 hours after the shooting.

During the investigation, detectives were notified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that Mendoza does not appear to be legally present in the United States. Federal authorities are conducting a separate investigation into his immigration status.

Mendoza is currently being held at the Forsyth County Jail and has been charged with aggravated assault. Investigators said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

Sheriff Ron Freeman praised the efforts of the personnel involved in the case.

“Our deputies, detectives, crime scene personnel, fugitive unit deputies, dispatchers, and support staff worked tirelessly to identify and apprehend this suspect in less than 24 hours,” Freeman said. “I am extremely proud of the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication displayed by everyone involved while continuing to focus on the care and well-being of the victim and his family.”

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 770-781-2222.