A Mexican national has pleaded guilty to murder on the Natchez Trace

A Mexican national pleaded guilty today to murder on the Natchez Trace.

According to court documents and statements made in open court, on Sept. 23, 2018, Christian Mitchell Mondragon Gonzalez, 29, got into an argument with the victim after a party at the home where they both lived. The victim left the home and Mondragon Gonzalez searched for him and found him. He convinced the victim to ride with him. He then drove the victim to a location on Natchez Trace where they both got out of the car. Gonzalez shot the unarmed victim multiple times. The victim was discovered the next morning by a person walking along the trail on the Natchez Trace.

Mondragon Gonzalez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He will be sentenced on February 12, 2025, and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This was announced by US Attorney Todd V. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eickhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The FBI, Natchez Trace Parkway Police and the Ridgeland Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant US Attorney Bert Carraway is prosecuting the case.