Texas is set to carry out its third execution of 2025 this Wednesday, April 23, as Moises Sandoval Mendoza, now 40 years old, faces the death penalty for the 2004 rape and murder of 20-year-old Rachelle O’Neil Tolleson in Farmersville, Texas.
The case, which has remained etched in the memories of many across the state, is one of the most deeply disturbing crimes in recent decades. Mendoza was sentenced to death row five years ago for the horrific killing that took the life of a young mother and shocked an entire community.
What Happened on March 18, 2004?
According to police reports and court documents, Mendoza entered the victim’s home through a back door. He told investigators that Tolleson left with him to purchase cigarettes, leaving her 6-month-old daughter, Avery, home alone.
While driving, Mendoza admitted to suddenly choking Tolleson, later claiming it was “for no reason.” He then drove to a field near his home where he sexually assaulted her and continued to strangle her. To ensure she was dead, he reportedly used a knife to pierce her throat.
He left her body in the open field for several days before becoming paranoid following a police interview. Mendoza later returned, wrapped her remains in a tarp, and moved them to a remote area of his cousin’s property east of Farmersville, where he burned the body in a pit.
Her charred remains were discovered by a man searching for arrowheads in the area.
Mendoza’s Letter and Legal Proceedings
Before his sentencing, Mendoza reportedly wrote a letter to his parents stating:
“I don’t know what happened to me at that moment. I turned into the devil, and after I did something that I thought was in a dream.”
This statement, along with his confession and overwhelming forensic evidence, led to his conviction and eventual death sentence.
Who Was Rachelle O’Neil Tolleson?
Rachelle Tolleson was a 20-year-old mother and described by friends and family as loving, joyful, and dedicated to her infant daughter. Her tragic and violent death left a lasting impact on the Farmersville community and beyond.
Scheduled Execution
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has confirmed that Mendoza will be executed by lethal injection on April 23, 2025, at the Huntsville Unit. Victim advocates and members of the public have expressed support for the execution as a form of closure for Tolleson’s family.