CLINTON, Okla. — A tragic series of events unfolded on Tuesday in Clinton, resulting in a homicide investigation after an officer-involved shooting claimed the lives of two individuals, including the suspect.
The incident began just before 12:30 a.m. when Clinton police officers responded to a call at an apartment complex near South 28th Street and West Hayes Avenue. Upon arrival, officers were informed that 32-year-old Jessa Mendoza had been shot and was rushed to a local hospital. Despite efforts to save him, Mendoza later succumbed to his injuries.
The Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) was called in to assist with the ongoing investigation. Through their efforts, special agents identified 28-year-old Joseph Tyler Layton as the primary suspect in the shooting. A warrant for Layton’s arrest was issued by the Custer County District Court.
Later that evening, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers located Layton and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The situation escalated into an officer-involved shooting. Authorities confirmed that Layton was in possession of a handgun at the time of the incident.
As of now, the OSBI is handling the investigation into both the homicide of Jessa Mendoza and the officer-involved shooting. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.
This case is still under investigation, and authorities have not released additional information regarding the circumstances of the shooting or the identities of the law enforcement officers involved.
