39°
Gregory Mallard is believed to have run the 32-year-old Lindenwold mom over multiple times before dumping her body along Route 440.
** WARNING: The following news article contains information that some may find upsetting. Reader discretion is advised. **
The criminal complaint, released by the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, paints a picture of the final harrowing moments of Mendoza's life.
Mendoza, who had two young daughters, was last seen leaving her mother's house in Jersey City on the evening of Saturday, May 13 and never returned home.
Her body was found along Route 440 on Wednesday, May 17. Mallard, who was in a relationship with Mendoza, was slapped with charges of first degree murder and multiple charges of improperly disposing of human remains.
On May 13, Mendoza and Mallard were together at the American Dream Mall and at bar on Bay Street driving a blue Dodge Ram, according to the complaint. They later went to a McDonald's on Communipaw Avenue. They left the McDonald's at 4:20 a.m. the next day with Mallard driving and Mendoza in the passenger seat.
At 4:31 a.m., footage obtained by police shows Mendoza running toward the intersection of Burma Road and Thomas McGovern Avenue in Jersey City. She was then struck by a blue Dodge Ram from behind.
The vehicle then makes a U-turn and drives over Mendoza. Mallard is then observed exiting the vehicle and placing Mendoza in the passenger side of the vehicle, according to the complaint. Footage also shows the vehicle near a railroad track parallel to Route 440 South, where Mendoza's body was found, according to the complaint.
Further footage shows Mallard washing and vacuuming the interior and exterior of the vehicle later that morning, according to the complaint.
Mallard had a history of stalking, harassing and making threats to Mendoza, according to the complaint.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Ridgefield Park-Hasbrouck Heights and receive free news updates.
