Latest news with #Medina-Berumen
USA Today
7 days ago
- General
- USA Today
Suspect charged with murder in California shooting that killed 2, including police officer
Suspect charged with murder in California shooting that killed 2, including police officer Show Caption Hide Caption What to know about the growing threat of gun violence Find out about the growing problem of gun violence and mass killings in the USA and learn how the Gun Violence Archive (GVA) categorizes different types of gun violence. A man has been charged in connection with the shootings that killed a Southern California police officer and another man, and wounded a second officer over the weekend, prosecutors said. Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen, 22, was charged on June 3 with two counts of murder with special circumstances for the death of Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros and Darius Wong, a 43-year-old father of two from Hacienda Heights, authorities said. Medina-Berumen was also charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of possession of an assault weapon. Medina-Berumen faces death or life in state prison without the possibility of parole if he is convicted on all charges, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office will decide on a later date whether to pursue the death penalty. Authorities accused Medina-Berumen of opening fire at Riveros on the night of May 31 after officers responded to a call of shots fired in a neighborhood in Baldwin Park, a city located about 20 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The district attorney's office alleged that Medina-Berumen also shot and killed Wong, who had just parked his car. "The filing of charges in the tragic murders of Officer Samuel Riveros and an innocent victim brings us one step closer to justice," Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said in a statement. "This cowardly and unprovoked act of violence against a brave and dedicated public servant is absolutely unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with the family of Officer Riveros, the Baldwin Park Police Department and the entire law enforcement community as we mourn." The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Colorado attack: Boulder attack suspect's wife, 5 children detained by ICE, face deportation: Live updates What happened in the Baldwin Park shooting? At a June 3 news conference announcing the charges, Luna said the Baldwin Police Department received a report at about 7:12 p.m. local time of a man armed with a rifle who had opened fire on the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue. The report was updated as officers arrived at the scene, stating that an unresponsive person was lying on the sidewalk, according to Luna. The person was "ultimately, unfortunately" identified as Wong, who sustained fatal gunshot wounds, Luna said. Wong had parked his car on the street after dropping off his two daughters, wife, and sister-in-law at a party in the area, according to a GoFundMe page created to help cover funeral costs and family expenses. Officers Anthony Pimentel and Alfredo Leal were the first to arrive at the scene and were immediately fired upon by Medina-Berumen, according to Luna. The sheriff said investigators believe Pimentel was injured by glass shards after a bullet hit his patrol vehicle's window. Riveros arrived shortly after and was struck and killed by the suspect's gunfire, according to Luna. Additional officers responded to the scene, and a second officer-involved shooting occurred with the suspect. "(Riveros) was entering an open shooting environment when he decided to put the safety of his community ahead of his own safety," Hochman said during the news conference. "When the bullets were flying, he ran into those bullets to try and keep his community safe, and in doing so, he made the ultimate sacrifice of his life." Luna said Medina-Berumen sustained gunshot wounds in the shooting and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. As of June 3, he remained hospitalized in stable condition. An AR-15-style weapon with two high-capacity magazines was recovered at the scene, according to Luna. Hochman said about 40 to 60 expended casings were also discovered at the scene. Why is it so hard to find him? 'Devil in the Ozarks' killer remains a fugitive. Victims remembered by the Los Angeles community Tributes poured in over the weekend as local officials and community members across Los Angeles County mourned the loss of Riveros and Wong. Riveros, 35, was from Pasadena and earned a degree in criminology, law, and society from the University of California, Irvine, according to a news release from Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis. He also played lacrosse and mentored youth through the Criminology Outreach Program at the school. Riveros joined the Baldwin Park Police Department in 2016, later served on the SWAT team, and then became a field training officer in 2024, according to the news release. The news release states that Riveros was known for his "energy, leadership, and dedication to public service." He was a "devoted Dodgers fan and an avid snowboarder," according to the news release. Riveros is survived by his mother and sister. Solis said she requested that all county flags be lowered to half-staff at county facilities until the end of the day of Riveros' scheduled funeral service. Local television station KTLA reported that a procession led by 27 motorcycle officers was held on June 3 in honor of Riveros. "Yesterday, I visited Baldwin Park, where a growing community memorial now honors Officer Riveros. Surrounded by candles, flowers, and handwritten messages, I witnessed the deep grief and respect shared by residents for a man who gave his life in service to their safety," Solis said in a statement on June 3. "My thoughts remain with his family, fellow officers and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. His loss is deeply felt not just by his family and colleagues, but by the entire Baldwin Park community." According to the GoFundMe page created by Wong's brother, Wong was described as a "kind soul" and a "hardworking man who cared deeply for his family." Wong leaves behind a wife and two daughters, ages 3 and 5, the page states. "His passion for helping others extended beyond his own family," the page states. "He dedicated himself to show up to work everyday at Choc Orange Hospital."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Murder charges filed in triple shooting that left Baldwin Park police officer dead
A 22-year-old man who gunned down a Baldwin Park police officer after allegedly killing his neighbor Saturday night will face multiple murder charges, prosecutors said Tuesday. Eduardo Medina-Berumen was charged with two counts of murder with special circumstances, two counts of attempted murder and possession of an assault pistol in connection with the bursts of gunfire that killed Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros and Darius Wong. If convicted as charged, he faces life without the possibility of parole. A rifle and as many as 60 spent shell casings were found at the scene, Los Angeles Couty Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman said. Riveros was responding to reports of a shooting in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue when Medina allegedly shot him in the head, according to two law enforcement sources with knowledge of the case. The sources requested anonymity to discuss the active investigation. Pimentel was released from the hospital Tuesday, according to a Sheriff's Department spokeswoman. Read more: 'A night of tragedy': A young officer who loved Dodgers, snowboarding killed in Baldwin Park shootout Although investigators are still working to determine a motive in the killings, neighbors and two law enforcement sources told The Times there was a parking dispute outside the residence where Medina-Berumen lived shortly before gunshots erupted. Medina-Berumen allegedly shot Darius Wong, 43 — who sources said was the neighbor involved in the parking dispute — shortly before officers arrived. Medina-Berumen was living with his grandmother and mother, who called police on her son in recent months because he was "acting weird," according to the suspect's father, Eduardo Medina. 'I don't understand,' Medina said. 'It's so sad. It's not good. It's not good at all.' Read more: Dodgers star Freddie Freeman's family appreciated kind gesture from slain Baldwin Park officer Friends remembered Riveros as a snowboarder and avid Dodgers fan who at times traveled to other cities to watch the teams play road games. Riveros had been an officer since 2016, records show. 'Officer Riveros gave his life in service to others, a profound testament to his unwavering dedication to duty and selfless courage,' the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, which is investigating the killings, wrote in a statement. 'His loss is profoundly felt — not only by his family and colleagues, but by the entire Baldwin Park community and law enforcement family." Wong's brother, Victor Vuong, said his brother was an "innocent bystander that was walking down the street where he was shot in the back," according to a post connected to an online fundraiser meant to help cover funeral costs and family expenses. Wong was walking to a party after he had dropped off his wife, two children and sister-in-law and then parked his car several blocks away, the post said. Had they been with him, they may have been killed too. "He was a hardworking man who cared deeply for his family," Vuong wrote on GoFundMe. "His passion for helping others extended beyond his own family. He dedicated himself to show up to work everyday at Choc Orange Hospital." Times Staff Writer Matthew Ormseth contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
7 days ago
- General
- Los Angeles Times
Murder charges filed in triple shooting that left Baldwin Park police officer dead
A 22-year-old man who gunned down a Baldwin Park police officer after allegedly killing his neighbor Saturday night will face multiple murder charges, prosecutors said Tuesday. Eduardo Medina-Berumen was charged with two counts of murder with special circumstances, two counts of attempted murder and possession of an assault pistol in connection with the bursts of gunfire that killed Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros and Darius Wong. If convicted as charged, he faces life without the possibility of parole. A rifle and as many as 60 spent shell casings were found at the scene, Los Angeles Couty Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman said. Riveros was responding to reports of a shooting in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue when Medina allegedly shot him in the head, according to two law enforcement sources with knowledge of the case. The sources requested anonymity to discuss the active investigation. Riveros was racing to try and aid his partner, Officer Anthony Pimentel, who was also wounded in the shooting. He was released from the hospital Tuesday, according to a sheriff's department spokeswoman. While investigators are still working to determine a motive in the killings, neighbors and two law enforcement sources told The Times there was a parking dispute outside the residence where Medina-Berumen lived shortly before gunshots erupted. Medina-Berumen allegedly shot Darius Wong, 43 — who sources said was the neighbor involved in the parking dispute — shortly before officers arrived. Medina-Berumen was living with his grandmother and mother, who called police on her son in recent months because he was 'acting weird,' according to the suspect's father, Eduardo Medina. 'I don't understand,' Medina said. 'It's so sad. It's not good. It's not good at all.' Friends remembered Riveros as a snowboarder and avid Dodgers fan who at times traveled to other cities to watch the teams play road games. Riveros had been an officer since 2016, records show. 'Officer Riveros gave his life in service to others, a profound testament to his unwavering dedication to duty and selfless courage,' the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, which is investigating the killings, wrote in a statement. 'His loss is profoundly felt—not only by his family and colleagues, but by the entire Baldwin Park community and law enforcement family.' Wong's brother, Victor Vuong, said his brother was an 'innocent bystander that was walking down the street where he was shot in the back,' according to a post connected to an online fundraiser meant to help cover funeral costs and family expenses. Wong was walking to a party after he had dropped his wife, two children and sister-in-law off then parked the car several blocks away, the post said. Had they been with him, they may have been killed too. 'He was a hardworking man who cared deeply for his family,' Vuong wrote on GoFundMe. 'His passion for helping others extended beyond his own family. He dedicated himself to show up to work everyday at Choc Orange Hospital.' Times Staff Writer Matthew Ormseth contributed to this report.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Man, 22, arrested in connection with fatal shooting of civilian, Baldwin Park police officer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials announced that a man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that left a civilian and a police officer from Baldwin Park dead. The man, described by deputies as 'the person believed to have shot and murdered a male adult then shot and murdered a Baldwin Park police officer,' was detained on Saturday – the night of the shooting – LASD said Tuesday. He was identified as 22-year-old Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen. Medina-Berumen has been booked on suspicion of two counts of murder, LASD said, and he remains hospitalized in stable condition Tuesday. Upon being discharged, he will be transferred to a jail facility. The 22-year-old is being held on $4 million bail. 'King of the Hill' actor killed in shooting Officers with the Baldwin Park Police Department originally responded to the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue around 7:15 p.m. Saturday on a call of a man firing a rifle in the street; upon arriving, they were shot at by the suspect, according to L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna. One of the first responders who was shot at, Baldwin Park Police Department Officer Samuel 'Sam' Riveros, was airlifted to USC Memorial Hospital but died of his wounds there. Another officer within that department, Anthony Pimentel, was also shot but has since been released from the hospital. Authorities also found a man suffering from gunshot wounds in the area. He was taken to a hospital but was pronounced deceased there, and investigators believe this individual, who has not been formally identified, was also fatally shot by Medina-Berumen. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact LASD's Homicide Bureau: 323-890-5500. Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting The case is set to be presented to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office in the coming days. Video below: KTLA coverage of the Baldwin Park officer-involved shooting from Saturday, May 31. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sheriff officials identify Baldwin Park shooting suspect
The suspect accused of fatally shooting two people including a Baldwin Park police officer over the weekend has been identified as 22-year-old Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said Monday. Two law enforcement sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss the active investigation, said Medina-Berumen has no known criminal history. He lives with his mother at the Baldwin Park address on Filhurst Street where gunfire erupted Saturday night, a source said. Baldwin Park police responded to the home around 7 p.m. and were met with gunfire. Two officers —Samuel Riveros and Anthony Pimentel — were struck and were rushed to a hospital. Riveros, 35, of Pasadena did not survive. Officers also found a man suffering from fatal gunshot wounds in the front yard of the home where the suspect was found. That man, who has not been identified, was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. It was not immediately clear when the person was shot but L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said they believed the suspect was responsible. Medina-Berumen, who was taken into custody after the shooting, was wounded by police but is listed in stable condition, authorities said. It was not immediately clear if he had legal representation. The Los Angeles County district attorney's office had not filed charges as of late Monday morning. Eduardo Medina, who identified himself to a Times reporter on Sunday as the suspect's father, said he first learned about his son's arrest, the killings and the shootout from his daughter. "I don't understand," the elder Medina said. "It's so sad. It's not good. It's not good at all." Medina said his son lived on Filhurst Street with his ex-wife, from whom he'd separated 15 years ago. About five months ago, he said, his ex-wife told him she'd called police because their son was "acting weird." Medina said he didn't know what that meant, but his ex-wife told him the police arrested their son and confiscated a gun. Investigators are still working to determine a motive in the shooting. Juan Ruvalcaba, 81, who lives across the street from where the shooting began Saturday night, said he initially thought he was hearing firecrackers, but then saw his neighbor shooting what appeared to be long gun. He said the young man was in his own front yard and seemed to be shooting into the air and in the direction of a different street — but he didn't see the man aiming at anyone or anything in particular. Still, he said, he called the man's grandmother, who lived with him, and warned her to hide under a bed and not let her grandson inside. Ruvalcaba also went inside his house, so he didn't see what happened next, but was shaken by news of the two deaths. "Thank God that I'm still here," Ruvalcaba said. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
