On Tuesday December 13, 2022 at 4:22 PM, the Gaston County Police Department responded to 107 Cindy Lane, Gastonia, in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, County Police officers located a 4-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving measures, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives determined the child’s mother, father, and another relative living in the residence failed to properly secure a firearm. The decedent and one of his siblings found the firearm. While in possession of the firearm, the gun discharged one time, striking the victim, resulting in the child’s death.
After consulting with the Gaston County District Office, the decision was made to arrest all three adults. They have been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, felony child abuse, and the misdemeanor charge of storing a firearm in a manner accessible to a minor. The suspects charged are:
Savannah Leigh Brehm, 1/26/2000, 107 Cindy Lane, Gastonia, NC
Hector Manuel Mendoza, 3/9/2000, 107 Cindy Lane, Gastonia, NC
Keith Deshawn Strughill, 3/23/2001, 107 Cindy Lane, Gastonia, NC
All three defendants are currently on a hold awaiting their first appearance in Gaston County Courts.
This is an on-going investigation. The Gaston County Police encourages anyone with information related to this case to contact Detective H. King at 704-866-3320 or Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000.
