Corpus Christi Demands Reopening Of Flatline Murder Case After Emotional Documentary Releases.
Flatline was a local hero and the face of the Corpus Christi Rap Scene. He was also a giving individual who religiously contributed value to the autism community. In his early days, some might describe Jose Jesus Mendoza as a troubled teen. However, he was able to monetize his life lessons and apply the “know how” to his successful music venture. He went on tour with well known rapper “SPM” and other notable acts. Throughout the years he was able to attract a strong regional following in Texas and ultimately created music with professional mainstream artists. In his personal life, he had a child that struggled with Autism but did everything to hold both worlds together. He recognized an opportunity to leverage his following to seek out answers and a community of autism awareness. His personal life and professional life were infusing together with a new found social responsibility and quickly evolved his way of thinking. He would spend many quiet nights fishing as a way of digesting ideas he had to create a productive environment for his young autistic son.
In 2015, Jose Jesus Mendoza was found shot dead at the pier in Corpus Christi as family scrambled to find answers. Jesse Wayne Taylor also known as “Jay Tee” (his stage name) was responsible for the suspected escalation of an altercation between both parties. According to local publications, Taylor told officers that he was invited to the fishing pier that night. He claims that he was then “ambushed“ by Mendoza and blindsided by a collective of peers he is familiar with. He goes on to say that he wrestled for a weapon like a movie scene and gained access to a handgun. He fired the weapon into Mendoza’s chest multiple times and then says he retreated the scene. He made contact with police and revealed these fuzzy details while appearing to be shaken and disheveled. When police grew curious and suspicious he stated that he would like to “speak to his lawyer”.
The city grew frustrated with the investigation speed of local law enforcement and delivery of courthouse justice. However, when Taylor pleaded not guilty to charges of murder the case was swiftly declared “dismissed”. The city of Corpus Christi did not erupt like it did when the incident initially took place. The media outlets did not plaster “CASE DISMISSED” all over your TV screens or social media feeds. It was almost as if someone with influence came in and cleaned things up. Jesse Wayne Taylor went from posting aggressive rap lyrics on social media pretrial to portraying a “good ol boy” image in court. Judge Guy Williams was in the middle of other personal problems like accusations of sexual harassment, aggravated assault, and plots to secretly kill another judge. Lets do the math, Taylor has had all of his major offenses dismissed since a child and sprinkle in a judge with legal trouble and sketchy history. To make matters worse, there is still no trace of the murder weapon Taylor used in “self defense”.
Compound Films has produced a show-all documentary of the ongoing case which highlights surprising details that the media hasn’t mentioned. Taylor’s criminal record shows that he’s gotten other serious cases dismissed in the past. Judge Guy Williams was also embroiled in multiple serious offenses himself like sexual harassment, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and public intoxication. This documentary also captured the full funeral of Jose Jesus Mendoza as the entire city gathered to say farewell at Memory Gardens. Criminal Attorney Joe Ray Rodriguez also contributed some insight into the case and elaborates on what he considers “odd” about the whole ordeal.
