A tragic shooting at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Texas has led to a life sentence for a 38-year-old man who admitted to killing two employees. The shocking incident happened in front of his own wife, who was working at the restaurant at the time.
The case has deeply affected the local community and raised serious concerns about safety in public places. Families of the victims are still struggling with the pain, even as the court has delivered its judgment.
Texas Man Sentenced to Life for Chick-fil-A Shooting
Oved Bernardo Mendoza Argueta, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The announcement was made by the Dallas District Attorney’s Office.
After his guilty plea, the court quickly announced his punishment. He was sentenced to life in prison for the murder charge. In addition, he received 20 years in prison for the two aggravated assault charges.
The judge ordered that these sentences will run consecutively, which means one after another. This decision was given by Judge Rocky Jones of the 203rd District Court.
As part of the plea agreement, Argueta also gave up his right to file an appeal. This means the case will not go to a higher court for review.
What Happened at the Irving Chick-fil-A?
The incident took place in June 2024 at a Chick-fil-A restaurant located on North MacArthur Boulevard in Irving, Texas. Irving is a major city around 13 miles west of Dallas and is part of the larger Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
According to the Irving Police Department, officers were called to the restaurant at around 3:50 p.m. after reports of gunshots. When emergency teams arrived, two employees were found dead at the scene. Paramedics confirmed their deaths.
The victims were identified as:
- Patricia Portillo, 49
- Brayan Godoy, 31
A third employee was also injured during the shooting but survived.
Suspect Arrested After Fleeing the Scene
After the shooting, police began searching for Argueta. Authorities reported that he was seen driving away from the area in a silver Honda sedan. Later that evening, police shared information with the public as they tried to locate him.
He was arrested in the early morning hours the next day. Officials also placed an immigration hold on him, as he is a Salvadoran national.
So far, law enforcement agencies have not publicly shared any clear motive behind the attack.
Wife Witnessed the Shooting
One of the most disturbing aspects of this case is that the accused man’s wife worked at the same Chick-fil-A outlet. She was present during the shooting and reportedly saw her husband kill her co-workers.
According to reports, she later gave police his identity, which helped in his arrest. This detail has added another layer of emotional trauma to the case, as she not only lost her colleagues but also saw her husband commit the crime.
Families Speak Out After Sentencing
During the sentencing hearing, the daughter of one of the victims read a victim impact statement in court. She spoke about the deep loss her family has suffered.
The mother of the employee who survived the shooting also shared her fears. She said her son keeps telling her that he is fine, but she worries about his mental health. Her words highlight the long-term emotional effects such violent incidents can have.
The Dallas District Attorney’s Office said in a statement that while no sentence can undo the pain suffered by the families, the judgment ensures accountability and sends a strong message that violence will be met with serious consequences.
Case Summary at a Glance
Here is a simple overview of the case:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | Oved Bernardo Mendoza Argueta, 38 |
| Charges | 1 count of murder, 2 counts of aggravated assault |
| Sentence | Life in prison + 20 years (consecutive) |
| Location | Chick-fil-A, North MacArthur Blvd, Irving, Texas |
| Victims | Patricia Portillo (49), Brayan Godoy (31) |
| Other | One employee injured, survived |
The Chick-fil-A location where the shooting happened remains closed.
