The sentencing fate of a San Antonio mother involved in the brutal torture and death of her five-year-old daughter is set to be decided today. Katrina Mendoza, who pleaded guilty to injury of a child with serious bodily injury, awaits her punishment by 187th District Court Judge Stephanie Boyd, as reported by KSAT. The proceedings, which will determine Mendoza's future, are scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. and will be broadcast via livestream.
Mendoza's ex-boyfriend, Jose Ruiz, has already faced retribution for his role in the death of Mercedes Losoya in February 2022, after being sentenced to life in prison in March. According to the KSAT report, Losoya succumbed to what officials termed "extreme physical abuse," with visible signs of extensive maltreatment covering her small body. Though details are scarce, one cannot grasp the profound sorrow of a life denied its potential, twisted, and ultimately snuffed out by those meant to protect it.
In her plea deal confession, Mendoza revealed that she disciplined her daughter with timeouts and spankings. However, the testimony painted a more harrowing picture of Ruiz's abuse. "He would spank them, he would pull Mercedes’ hair and cover her mouth and nose. Use thumbtacks on her feet," Mendoza claimed during her ex-boyfriend's trial, as she described the extreme measures taken by Ruiz. When asked if she intervened, Mendoza said she tried "several times," but her efforts were in vain, according to her testimony obtained by KSAT.
Mendoza's plea agreement includes a potential sentence ranging from probation to up to 45 years in prison. Earlier, before accepting the deal, Mendoza pleaded guilty to one count of assault of a child causing serious bodily injury by omission. An earlier report by KSAT detailed this aspect of the arrangement, which also required her testimony against Ruiz. Mendoza's sentencing today will cap what has been a protracted and disturbing case, delving into the darkest corners of human capability and the unfathomable pain inflicted upon an innocent.
