Newman Police Cpl. Ronil Singh Remembered at Vigil Five Years After Tragic Death

Published on December 26, 2023

The family of fallen Newman Police Cpl. Ronil Singh came together at Newman Plaza on Tuesday evening to honor and remember their beloved son and brother. It has been five years since Singh tragically lost his life while on duty, and the pain still lingers in the hearts of his loved ones.

A Heartbreaking Loss for a Mother

The vigil was an opportunity for Rohini Lata Singh, the mother of Ronil Singh, to express her ongoing grief and sorrow. With tears in her eyes, she shared, “It’s very painful. It hurts every single day. The toughest thing in life is a mother losing her child.”

A Dedicated Officer Taken Too Soon

Ronil Singh was fatally shot on December 26, 2018, during a routine traffic stop. He had immigrated to the United States from Fiji and joined the Newman Police Department in 2011, fulfilling his dream of becoming a police officer. Singh was known for his vibrant personality, always wearing a smile and bringing positive energy to those around him.

Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson fondly remembered Singh, saying, “He was fun. He was energetic. Always had a smile on his face. Always happy. He truly came to America to serve as a police officer, and he fulfilled his dream. Unfortunately, that dream was tragically taken away from him and his family.”

Leaving Behind a Loving Family

When Ronil Singh lost his life, he left behind a devastated family, including his wife and young son. At the time of his death, his son was only five months old. The pain of his absence is still felt deeply by his loved ones.

Community Support and Remembrance

During the vigil, Newman Police Chief Richardson expressed his gratitude to the hundreds of community members who attended the gathering. Their presence served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing support for the grieving department. Richardson said, “It’s amazing to see people still coming out. It’s not always easy for them to be here, but they continue to show up and support us.”

Renee Watson, who attended the remembrance, spoke about the strong bond her family shares with the Singh family through their shared experiences of loss. Watson’s brother, Deputy Dennis Wallace of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, was killed in the line of duty in 2016. She emphasized the importance of honoring and remembering fallen officers, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Rohini Lata Singh expressed her gratitude for the community’s continued remembrance of her son. She said, “He loved Newman, and Newman loves him. If we say, ‘He is watching. He must be smiling,’ everybody still remembers him.”

Justice Served for Ronil Singh

Paulo Mendoza, initially identified as Gustavo Arriaga, was held accountable for the murder of Ronil Singh. In 2020, Mendoza pled guilty to the crime in Stanislaus County. His brother, Conrado Virgen Mendoza, who attempted to help Paulo escape to Mexico after the shooting, was also sentenced.

The vigil held in honor of Ronil Singh served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and the impact they have on their communities. While the pain of his loss still weighs heavily on his family, they find solace in knowing that his memory lives on.