Los Angeles, Calif. – Authorities have arrested a 20-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy in an unprovoked attack outside a Pico Rivera gas station, a killing that occurred as the child waited for his mother to finish her night shift.
Suspect Arrested After Traffic Stop
The suspect, identified as Andres Adan Chavez, 20, was arrested Thursday evening following a traffic stop in the 9500 block of Whittier Boulevard, less than a mile from the crime scene. Deputies booked Chavez into the Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Station on suspicion of murder. He is being held on $2 million bond, officials confirmed.
“To murder an innocent 13-year-old in front of his mother the way he did is completely unacceptable,” Sheriff Robert Luna said at a press conference. “We are here today to seek justice for Saith and his family — and to get this violent individual off our streets.”
Shooting Details
The shooting took place on Saturday, Aug. 25, around 11:35 p.m., at the 76 gas station in the 8800 block of Whittier Boulevard. The victim, identified as Saith Mendez, 13, had accompanied his mother, Clara Mendoza, who was working the night shift as a station attendant.
Authorities say Saith briefly walked into the station to talk to his mother, then exited. Moments later, a tan four-door vehicle pulled into the lot.
- The driver spoke with Mendoza at the service window.
- Chavez, a passenger, exited the rear seat and lingered nearby.
- When Saith walked past him, Chavez allegedly pulled a firearm and shot the boy at close range without provocation.
Sheriff Luna said the suspect then stood over the child and fired multiple additional shots before fleeing on foot.
Witnesses Questioned
The driver of the tan vehicle and a female passenger stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. They were later released. Saith was pronounced dead at the scene.
Community Shock and Call for Justice
The brutal nature of the attack has drawn outrage across Los Angeles County. Sheriff Luna emphasized that Saith did not engage with Chavez and there was no confrontation before the shooting.
“This was a cowardly act,” Luna said. “As a community, we must stand together to ensure justice is served.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the motive, which remains unclear. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau urges anyone with additional information to call 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or lacrimestoppers.org.
Conclusion
With Chavez now in custody, the case moves forward as prosecutors prepare formal charges. The senseless killing of 13-year-old Saith Mendez has shaken Pico Rivera, highlighting the devastating toll of gun violence in unprovoked attacks.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Should penalties for such unprovoked killings be harsher? Share your views in the comments below.
