Minneapolis Nightclub Bouncer's Unsolved Murder Haunts Family

Gabriel Mendoza was killed on the job in 2022, and his family is still searching for answers.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:23pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the unsolved murder of a nightclub bouncer.The haunting remnants of a violent act leave a family desperate for answers and justice.Minneapolis Today

Nearly 3 1/2 years after Gabriel Mendoza, a 23-year-old nightclub bouncer, was shot and killed while working security at a Minneapolis bar, his family is still searching for answers. His mother Katrina Mendoza says she calls investigators weekly, desperate to find out who murdered her son and bring them to justice.

Why it matters

Unsolved murders like this one take a devastating toll on families, leaving them with unanswered questions and a sense of injustice. This case also highlights the dangers that nightclub security workers can face on the job, and the importance of ensuring their safety and providing support to their loved ones when tragedy strikes.

The details

Gabriel Mendoza was 23 years old when he was shot and killed on October 16, 2022, while working security at the now-closed Fire House bar in Uptown Minneapolis. His sister Ariel Scaife says the bar was packed that evening, and they've seen social media videos of people who were there that night. Katrina Mendoza describes her son as a 'really fun, loud guy' with a lot of energy and personality.

  • Gabriel Mendoza was killed on October 16, 2022.
  • It has been nearly 3 1/2 years since his murder.

The players

Gabriel Mendoza

A 23-year-old nightclub bouncer who was shot and killed while working security at a Minneapolis bar in 2022.

Katrina Mendoza

Gabriel Mendoza's mother, who is still searching for answers about who killed her son and is calling investigators weekly.

Ariel Scaife

Gabriel Mendoza's sister, who says the bar was packed the night he was killed and they've seen social media videos of people who were there.

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What they’re saying

“My biggest priority is making sure that Gabe's story is still heard until we start to get answers.”

— Katrina Mendoza, Gabriel Mendoza's mother

“It is a family's worst nightmare.”

— Katrina Mendoza, Gabriel Mendoza's mother

“His energy, his personality, he was really fun, loud guy.”

— Ariel Scaife, Gabriel Mendoza's sister

“Maybe you were there that night and left early and think you don't know anything, or maybe you wanted to give your statement but felt afraid because it's traumatic.”

— Katrina Mendoza, Gabriel Mendoza's mother

What’s next

Minneapolis police say the case remains open, and they are urging anyone with information about Gabriel Mendoza's murder to submit an anonymous tip online to Crime Stoppers or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The takeaway

This tragic and unsolved murder has devastated Gabriel Mendoza's family, who are desperate for answers and justice. Their story highlights the lasting trauma and pain that families endure when a loved one is senselessly taken, and the critical importance of community cooperation to help solve these types of crimes.