37-Year-Old Man Kills California Grandfather in Brutal Home Intruder Attack

A Southern California family is devastated after their beloved patriarch, 79-year-old Fritz Mendoza, was killed in a shocking attack at his Fontana office. The assailant, identified as 37-year-old Ronalee Barrett Stanberry, remains at large, leaving the family and community desperate for justice.

Mendoza, a veteran and husband of over 50 years, had run his Allstate insurance business for more than three decades. On January 10, while preparing to open the office with his son, the two discovered an intruder inside. Initially appearing trapped and pleading for help, the intruder quickly turned violent, grabbing a decorative baseball bat from the wall and striking Mendoza in the head.

“He came through the roof, fell through,” explained Mendoza’s granddaughter, Mikayla, to KTLA. “I think he was there overnight. The front door was locked.” Fritz’s son, who had momentarily gone to the back of the office, was confronted by the intruder. Surveillance footage captured the son battling the man and eventually wresting the bat away.

However, Stanberry fled the scene, leaving Mendoza critically injured. Mendoza was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries 11 days later. Stanberry, described as a drifter with connections to Chino, Los Angeles, and Kern County, is suspected of scaling a tree behind the business to gain roof access. He was last seen wearing a stolen U.S. Postal Service shirt, black trousers, and sneakers.

Distinctive tattoos on his arms and above his eyebrows reading “Active” and “Whiteboy” may help identify him. The Fontana Police Department has assured the public they are committed to bringing the suspect to justice. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Detective Hart at 909-854-8172 or call 911.

The Mendoza family is grieving the loss of a man they describe as the cornerstone of their lives. Mikayla shared that the baseball bat used in the attack was a sentimental gift, engraved with the initials of Fritz’s grandchildren. “If I could say there’s a grandpa out there that everybody wants, that’s him,” she said.

“He took us on so many adventures, and I will always cherish those memories with my family.” Sitting in the now-empty office, Mikayla lamented, “His desk is right here, and I can’t look at it because he’s not here. We will cherish him and continue to live for him.” As the manhunt continues, the family holds on to the hope that Stanberry will be captured and that their beloved Fritz will receive the justice he deserves.