Moises Mendoza Convicted of Choking, Stabbing, and Burning Rachelle Tolleson in Collin County; Faces Life Sentence Without Parole for Brutal Murder

April 21, 2025

Collin County, TX — In a chilling case that has rocked the Collin County community, Moises Mendoza, a 35-year-old man, was convicted yesterday of the brutal murder of Rachelle Tolleson, a 29-year-old woman whose life was tragically cut short in a violent and senseless act. After weeks of a tense trial, the jury found Mendoza guilty of choking, stabbing, and ultimately burning Tolleson’s body in an attempt to conceal the crime.

The verdict came after a harrowing presentation of evidence, which included graphic testimony from forensic experts and law enforcement officials, as well as emotional statements from the victim’s family. Mendoza now faces a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The Events Leading to the Murder

The tragic events unfolded in the early hours of March 12, 2025, when Rachelle Tolleson, a local nurse and mother of two, was reportedly involved in a confrontation with Mendoza at her apartment in Plano, Collin County. Investigators revealed that Mendoza, who was known to have a prior criminal history, had been involved in a brief relationship with Tolleson, though their connection had been rocky and tumultuous.

It is believed that the argument escalated when Mendoza became enraged during a domestic dispute. According to evidence presented at trial, Mendoza choked Tolleson until she lost consciousness before stabbing her multiple times. After the attack, Mendoza allegedly set her body on fire in a nearby wooded area in an attempt to destroy the evidence.

The Investigation and Evidence

The investigation into Tolleson’s death was launched after her family reported her missing on the morning of March 13, 2025. Authorities soon discovered bloodstains inside her apartment, leading them to believe that she had been the victim of foul play. A search team was dispatched to search for any clues to her whereabouts, and just days later, a hiker discovered her charred remains in a secluded area near a local park.

The forensic team determined that Tolleson had been murdered before being set ablaze. Further examination revealed that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the neck, consistent with strangulation, and multiple stab wounds to the chest and abdomen. Investigators also found evidence that the fire had been intentionally started using accelerants, further corroborating the intent to conceal the crime.

Mendoza, who initially denied involvement, was arrested after his DNA was found on various pieces of evidence at the scene, including burnt clothing and a knife that was believed to have been used in the stabbing. His phone records showed multiple calls and text messages to Tolleson on the day she disappeared, and surveillance footage from nearby cameras captured him entering and leaving her apartment complex in the early hours of March 12.

The Trial

The trial, which began in early April 2025, was a tense and emotional ordeal for Tolleson’s family, who attended every day of proceedings. Prosecutors painted a disturbing picture of Mendoza’s violent tendencies and his disregard for human life. They argued that Mendoza’s actions were premeditated, noting that he had planned to kill Tolleson and destroy any evidence of his crime.

Throughout the trial, Mendoza maintained his innocence, claiming that he had been in a “frenzied state” and had not intended to kill Tolleson. His defense team sought to argue that the death was the result of an unintentional altercation, but the jury found no merit in his claims.

Prosecutor Karen Flynn spoke to reporters after the verdict, emphasizing the brutality of the crime and the importance of holding perpetrators of domestic violence accountable. “Rachelle Tolleson was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. She was a mother, a sister, a daughter, and an extraordinary person. What happened to her was nothing short of monstrous,” Flynn said. “Today’s verdict is a step toward justice, not only for Rachelle but for anyone who has suffered at the hands of violence.”

Family and Community Reactions

Tolleson’s family was visibly emotional after the verdict was read, with her mother, Linda Tolleson, giving an emotional statement outside the courthouse. “Rachelle was the heart of our family,” she said, holding back tears. “She was taken from us in the most horrific way, and we can never get her back. We hope that today’s conviction brings some peace to her children, who will grow up without their mother.”

Friends and colleagues of Tolleson, who worked as a nurse in a local hospital, also expressed their sorrow at the loss of a beloved community member. Samantha Hayes, a close friend of the victim, said, “Rachelle was a bright light in this world. She had a heart of gold, and she always put others before herself. This crime doesn’t just affect her family—it’s a loss for all of us.”

The Aftermath: Domestic Violence Awareness

Tolleson’s tragic death has sparked a renewed conversation about domestic violence in Collin County and beyond. Local advocacy groups have rallied around her family, offering support and calling for greater awareness and resources for victims of domestic abuse. In particular, The Collin County Domestic Violence Coalition has launched a campaign to educate the community about the signs of abuse and to encourage victims to seek help before it’s too late.

Sarah Martinez, a spokesperson for the coalition, said, “We cannot let tragedies like this continue. It is time for all of us to take a stand against domestic violence and ensure that victims have the support and resources they need to escape dangerous situations.”

A Sentence of Life

Moises Mendoza now faces a sentence of life in prison without parole for his heinous crimes. The judge in the case, Judge Emily Harris, addressed Mendoza directly after the verdict, saying, “Your actions have caused unimaginable pain to this family. You have shown no remorse for the brutal killing of Rachelle Tolleson, and you will now face the consequences of your choices.”

As the community begins to heal from the horror of this case, the focus will turn to the legacy of Rachelle Tolleson, whose life was tragically cut short. Her family, friends, and the Collin County community are left to grapple with the aftermath of her death, but they are united in their hope that this conviction will serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance against domestic violence in all its forms.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.