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Supreme Court denies Mortensen’s appeal

Monday, Sept. 27, 1999 | 11:36 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court today denied the appeal of former Metro Officer Ron Mortensen, convicted in the off-duty drive-by shooting of a man in December 1996.

The Supreme Court rejected his numerous claims of errors in the District Court trial that convicted him of killing Daniel Mendoza. The court turned down his argument that newly discovered evidence justifies a new trial.

Mortensen, after a party celebrating his 31st birthday at a Las Vegas bar, was driving with Officer Chris Brady in a pickup. They drove into an area known for gang activity and Mortensen fired six shots, according to court records. Mendoza was killed.

The two officers left the area. Later Brady went to police about the incident and pointed to Mortensen as the gunman.

Mortensen admitted he was in the passenger seat on the night of the shooting, but claimed Brady was the shooter.

A District Court jury in May 1997 found Mortensen guilty of first degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to two consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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