Former officer convicted of first degree murder

Wednesday, May 14, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Former Metro Police Officer Ron Mortensen was convicted today of first-degree murder in the drive-by shooting death of a 21-year-old man.

A District Court jury deliberated for 11 hours over three days before reaching its verdict that Mortensen, 31, gunned down Daniel Mendoza about 1 a.m. on Dec. 28 at 537 McKellar Circle, near Paradise and Flamingo roads.

Mortensen looked down at the defense table and showed no emotion as the verdict was read by the jury foreman.

The seven-woman, five-man jury announced its verdict in Judge Joseph Pavlikowski's courtroom at 10:09 a.m. today, just before the SUN's deadline for its early edition.

Mortensen faces life in prison with or without the possibility of parole.

A large crowd had gathered outside the packed courtroom as the verdict was read. Security was tight in the courtroom, with bailiffs guarding the back doors.

During closing arguments Monday, prosecutors said Mendoza was gunned down in a "thrill killing" by one of two off-duty Metro officers rampaging through the high-crime area just blocks from the Strip.

Mortensen's attorney maintained that the wrong officer was charged.

The officers, who have since resigned, pointed the finger of guilt at each other but, as the attorneys pointed out, there were holes in both their stories.

Defense attorney Frank Cremen portrayed the case as a credibility contest between Mortensen and Christopher Brady, 25.

Brady, a six-year Metro veteran whose father has been on the force for 27 years, was not charged with any crimes for his role. He testified that Mortensen shot Mendoza.

Mortensen, however, testified that Brady slid across the truck seat, picking up the defendant's pistol as he did, and fired several shots out the window.