Authorities said a tip from the public earlier this year assisted investigators in locating Mendoza.
At the time of Mendoza's arrest, he was with 18-year-old Julio Cesar Chavez. Chavez was charged with possession of stolen firearm.
Mendoza and Chavez were transported to the Wake County Jail.
In addition to the murder charge against Mendoza and the possession of stolen property charge against Chavez, both suspects are being held on charges of first degree rape and first degree kidnapping stemming from previous instances.
Also, 18-year-old Luz Elena Diaz-Flores was charged with harboring a fugitive in connection with the Mendoza case.
The investigation is still continuing.
Anyone with information that might assist the continuing investigation is asked to call the Raleigh Police Department's Detective Division at (919) 996-3555 or Raleigh CrimeStoppers at (919) 834-HELP. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for anonymous tips that help solve crimes.
