Fluker guilty of McCulloch Park murder

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- A jury took just over two hours Thursday to convict Fort Wayne man, Patrick Fluker of murdering Tiffany L. Mendez, 29 in September of 2010.

Police said Fluker shot and killed Mendez at McCulloch Park on the morning of Friday, September 3 and then drove off in a stolen vehicle.

At the time of the investigation, police received a call that several shots had been fired around McCulloch Park near the intersection of Lindley and Parkview Avenues.

NewsChannel 15 spoke with the man who called police. He didn't want to give his name, but said he heard the shots near the railroad tracks. He then saw a man get into a dark colored car and drive off. That man then got out of the car near the General Electric gate at the end of the street and ran into the park.

As police were arriving at the scene, an officer spotted Fluker near Hendricks Street a few blocks away. Officers brought him back to the scene and he was taken into custody for questioning. Later that morning, police arrested Fluker and took him to jail.

While officers were dealing with Fluker, others were searching the park for evidence of a crime when they discovered Mendez’ body near the railroad tracks.

Police also found a blue 2000 Cadillac Seville that was reported stolen out of New Haven on August 21.

Fluker was also found guilty of receiving stolen auto parts. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 9.