John Mendez, a 60-year-old military veteran, tragically lost his life on September 7, 2022, in San Leandro, California. Mendez was working as an armored truck security guard for GardaWorld when he was shot and killed during a robbery on the Kaiser Hospital campus. The incident occurred just before noon, as Mendez was exiting the hospital carrying a messenger bag with currency.
He was critically injured by a gunshot wound to the back of his head and succumbed to his injuries several hours later.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Akbar Bey, a former colleague of Mendez. Bey had previously worked with Mendez for GardaWorld but was terminated for stealing money from the company. Surveillance video, phone records, and assistance from the FBI helped police track Bey to his home in Oakland. During a search of Bey's residence, detectives found evidence linking him to the crime, and Bey subsequently confessed to the murder and robbery. Bey's motive appeared to be financial gain, as he was found in possession of a gold 2004 Porsche and a new cell phone, which raised suspicions given his recent termination.
The case did not end with Bey's arrest. Investigators believe that additional suspects and accomplices were involved in the crime. The San Leandro Police Department, with the help of other law enforcement agencies, continues to seek out these individuals. The murder of John Mendez has highlighted the dangers faced by security personnel and the lengths to which some individuals will go for monetary gain. The community has mourned the loss of Mendez, who was remembered by his family as having an infectious personality and a strong sense of duty.
