News Release

Christina Marie Mendoza

FULTON COUNTY — A recent investigation by the Indiana State Police and Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of Christina Marie Mendoza, 27, 9163 W. 700N, Culver. She has preliminarily been charged with domestic battery resulting in death.

Mendoza was arrested Tuesday, Oct. 26. She is being held on a $50,000 surety bond.

The charges are the result of an investigation into the death of Cheyenne Ruttschaw, 21, of rural Fulton County.

Emergency personnel responded to an address on Aug. 30, on a report of an unresponsive female. Despite lifesaving efforts, Ruttschaw was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy was performed Sept. 1 by Dr. Scott A. Wagner at the Northeast Indiana Forensic Center, Fort Wayne. He determined on Oct. 12, the cause of death to be multiple blunt force injuries and the manner of death a homicide.

“This is a great example of agencies working together, pooling resources for the benefit of the community and families involved,” stated Fulton County Sheriff Chris Sailors. “While an arrest has been made, this investigation is far from completed with additional arrests possible.”

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Ruttshaw between Aug. 28 and the early evening of Aug. 30 is encouraged to contact Detective Sgt. Travis W. Heisman with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office at (574) 223-2819 or the Indiana State Police at (765) 473-6666.