Man sentenced to life in prison after killing teen in Tijuana

Published: Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 4:44 am

Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of American in Tijuana

A federal jury has found Brian Alexis Patron Lopez guilty of murdering, kidnapping, and torturing an 18-year-old San Diego resident in Tijuana. The 24-year-old was sentenced to life in prison for the 2020 killing of Miguel Anthony Rendon, which stemmed from a drug dispute.

According to the Department of Justice, Rendon was abducted from a hotel on May 29, 2020. He was subjected to physical violence, including being punched, kicked, and pistol-whipped, before being taken to Patron's neighborhood. Ransom demands of $2,000 to $3,000 were made to Rendon's family via text and phone exchanges.

Rendon was then taken to a motel and later to an apartment before being shot and his body left on a deserted hillside on May 30, 2020. This occurred while Rendon's family was attempting to pay the ransom.

The prosecution presented evidence including Facebook messages, surveillance video, a bracelet linked to Patron found at the crime scene, and WhatsApp messages detailing the ransom demands. The jury deliberated for less than a day before finding Patron guilty on all counts. He was also sentenced to 35 years and five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon emphasized the commitment to pursuing justice for crimes against American citizens, even if they occur outside of the United States. Rendon's family expressed the lasting pain caused by the crime, with one family member stating that Patron "took a part of mine."

BNN's Perspective:

This case underscores the complex challenges of cross-border crime and the importance of international cooperation in upholding justice. While the sentence reflects the severity of the crime, it also highlights the need for continued efforts to address the underlying issues of drug trafficking and violence in the region.

Keywords: Brian Alexis Patron Lopez, Miguel Anthony Rendon, Tijuana, murder, kidnapping, torture, drug dispute, sentencing, federal jury, ransom, Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney, cross-border crime, San Diego, violence, crime

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