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LONG BEACH, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman today honored four people for their heroism in extraordinary moments of crisis at the Courage Awards.

Those being acknowledged for their courageous acts included a couple who intervened during a domestic violence attack; a man who videotaped footage of the beating of a dog that led to an arrest; and a woman who was shot multiple times and testified against her assailant.

“These four remarkable people deserve the utmost appreciation and recognition for their acts of courage,” said District Attorney Hochman. “These awards serve as a reminder to all of us that we can help others no matter how dire the situation. The Long Beach community is a safer and better place because of the exemplary actions of these honorees, and my office is deeply grateful to them.”

District Attorney Hochman recognized the honorees this afternoon at a ceremony hosted by the Rotary Club of Long Beach.

The Courage Awards, formerly known as the Courageous Citizen Awards, were first presented in 1986 and given to individuals who have performed extraordinary acts of valor and selflessness in assisting criminal prosecutions, helping victims, testifying under duress, preventing crimes or even capturing suspects. Other ceremonies will be held in Westchester, Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles and hosted by the respective Rotary Clubs later this year.

Awards were presented to:

Jose, 55, and Yrene, 57, Mendez of Buena Park (Case NA122594, presented by Deputy District Attorney Peggy Kane)

On Sept. 27, 2023, Jose Mendez and his wife, Yrene Mendez, were walking along a beach when they noticed a man was beating up a 39-year-old woman. The attacker was pushing the victim into the ocean and picking her up and throwing her to the ground. The man ran away as Jose and Yrene Mendez came to the woman’s aid. Moments later, the assailant returned and acted aggressively toward the couple, who left and called 911. By intervening and rescuing the victim, the Mendezes stopped an assault that could have resulted in a far worse outcome. Jose Mendez also provided key testimony at trial that assisted in convicting the attacker.

A jury convicted the defendant of one felony count each of forcible rape, assault by means of force to cause great bodily injury, domestic violence - injuring a former girlfriend; and two felony counts of false imprisonment. He was sentenced to 12 years and eight months in prison.

Adalhi Montes, 33, of Long Beach (Case 25LBCF00671, presented by Deputy District Attorney Kelly Fritz)

On April 21, 2025, Adalhi Montes was awoken by the cries of an animal in pain. Greatly disturbed by the sickening sound and unable to return to sleep, he checked his video surveillance system and saw a man repeatedly abusing a German Shepard puppy, named Inara. The man hoisted the canine by the neck with a leash, slamming her to the pavement and kicking her in the face while she lay motionless. He then suspended the dog again and rode away on a skateboard, dragging her out of frame. Montes posted the video online to help get the public’s assistance and flagged down a police officer, providing the video to assist in the investigation. The video went viral on social media and was aired many times on local TV stations, leading to the assailant being identified and convicted.

The defendant pleaded no contest to one felony count of animal cruelty and was sentenced to three years in state prison. He was also ordered not to have any animals for the next 10 years.

Jeané Castro, 46, of Long Beach (Case NA120130, presented by Deputy District Attorney John Chang)

Jeané Castro was sitting in a car with her good friend, Jimmy Hawkins Jr., on April 22, 2022, when a car pulled up next to them. The men inside the car made gang challenges to Hawkins Jr., and despite desperate pleas denying any gang involvement, the two men opened fire and killed Hawkins Jr. Jeané Castro ran down an alleyway as the two men pursued and fired again, striking Jeané multiple times. Despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds, she survived her injuries. With strength, courage and determination, Jeané Castro testified at the trial of one of the two men who shot her. She overcame fear and trauma to recount the terrifying ordeal she endured and help secure a conviction.

A jury convicted the defendant of one count each of first-degree murder and attempted murder. He was sentenced to 75 years to life in prison.

All three cases were investigated by the Long Beach Police Department.

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