Loved ones devastated after Southern California grandfather murdered by intruder
Loved ones are devastated after a Southern California grandfather was beaten to death by a suspect who remains at large.
The victim, Fritz Mendoza, 79, was a veteran who was married to his wife for over 50 years. He operated an Allstate insurance business in Fontana for over 30 years and loved serving his customers.
“If I could say there’s a grandpa out there that everybody wants, that’s him,” said Mikayla Mendoza, the victim’s granddaughter. “He took us on so many adventures and I will always cherish those memories with my family, my kids.”
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Fritz Mendoza, 79, is pictured with his wife in a family photo. -
Fritz Mendoza is seen with his granddaughter in a family photo. -
Fritz Mendoza is pictured with his wife in a family photo. -
Outside the Allstate insurance office Fritz Mendoza operated with his son in Fontana. (KTLA) -
Fritz Mendoza’s desk at the Allstate insurance office he operated in Fontana. (KTLA) -
Ceiling panels were destroyed after the suspect climbed through the roof and into the victim’s office in Fontana. (KTLA) -
Fritz Mendoza is seen in a family photo. -
Fritz Mendoza is pictured with his wife in a family photo. -
The Allstate insurance office Fritz Mendoza operated with his son in Fontana. (KTLA)
On the morning of Jan. 10, Fritz and his son were opening up their business for the day. They walked inside and Fritz sat down at his desk. His son went to the back and that’s when he noticed ceiling panels had dropped to the floor.
Suddenly, he spotted a man sitting in a chair, asking him not to hurt him. Fontana Police later identified the suspect as Ronalee Barrett Stanberry, 37.
“He came through the roof, fell through,” Mikayla said of the intruder. “I think he was there overnight. The front door was locked.”
They believed Stanberry climbed a tree behind the business to access the roof.
The suspect asked Fritz’s son to make a phone call, but within seconds, he lunged for a nearby baseball bat displayed on a wall and began swinging at Fritz’s head, eventually striking him.
Surveillance video captured Fritz’s son fighting the man off as he wrestles the bat out of his hands. Stanberry eventually runs off.
Fritz was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He died from his injuries 11 days later.
Mikayla said the decorative baseball bat was a gift that featured the initials of Fritz’s grandchildren on it.
As police continue searching for Stanberry, the victim’s loved ones remain devastated as they remember the man who loved being with his family the most.
“His desk is right here and just and I can’t look at it because he’s not here,” Mikayla said of her grandfather’s office. “We will cherish him and continue to live for him.”
Stanberry is described as a transient who often travels by train and has ties to Chino, Los Angeles, and Kern County. His most recent arrest occurred in Bakersfield.
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The suspect, Ronalee Barrett Stanberry, 37, is seen in booking photos from the Fontana Police Department. -
Distinct tattoos on Ronalee Barrett Stanberry’s arm is seen in a booking photo from the Fontana Police Department. -
Surveillance footage of the victim’s son grabbing the suspect’s baseball bat while fighting him off on Jan. 10, 2025. (Fontana Police Department) -
Surveillance footage of the suspect fleeing the scene after a deadly assault in Fontana on Jan. 10, 2025. (Fontana Police Department) -
Surveillance footage of the suspect fleeing the scene after a deadly assault in Fontana on Jan. 10, 2025. (Fontana Police Department) -
The suspect, Ronalee Barrett Stanberry, 37, is seen in a booking photo from the Fontana Police Department.
He was last seen wearing a white with blue pinstripe U.S. Postal Service button-up shirt that was stolen from the victim’s business, along with black pants and black athletic shoes. He has several tattoos on his arms and tattoos above his eyebrows with the words “Active” and “Whiteboy.”
The victim’s family hopes Stanberry is caught soon before he hurts anyone else.
“The Fontana Police Department is committed to bringing justice for the victim and his family,” officials said.
Family members said he may have been spotted in the Rubidoux/Riverside area, but police have not confirmed that detail.
Anyone with information on the suspect or details about the case is urged to call Detective Hart at 909-854-8172 or dial 911.