A baby shower in Norcross turned deadly on April 16, 2023, when 39-year-old Angel Mendoza was fatally shot at a home on Pepperwood Trail. Mendoza, a father of six, was attending the gathering with his wife when an intoxicated guest accidentally shot himself in the leg. Concerned for the children and others, Mendoza took the firearm from that guest to prevent further danger.

That action reportedly sparked a confrontation with 26-year-old Esteven Avila-Vega. Witnesses say Avila-Vega became angry and demanded the gun back; his girlfriend, 26-year-old Sulma Mejia-Orellana, allegedly struck Mendoza over the head with a beer bottle. Avila-Vega then left but returned with another firearm and opened fire, shooting Mendoza multiple times. Mendoza was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police arrived about 1:10 a.m. and identified Avila-Vega and Mejia-Orellana as suspects; both were taken into custody later that day. Avila-Vega was charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and Mejia-Orellana was charged with aggravated assault. If anyone at the party knew Mendoza or saw what happened, can you share information with investigators?