A Pico Rivera man has been charged with the murder of 13-year-old Saith Mendez, who was gunned down while waiting for his mother at a gas station in August, officials announced Wednesday.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said 20-year-old Andres Adan Chavez was charged with one count of murder with the special-circumstance allegation of lying in wait and one count of carrying an unregistered, loaded firearm. If convicted, he faces either the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
“What happened at this gas station is every parent’s worst nightmare,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement. “The victim was simply waiting for his mom when he was gunned down. No mother should have to endure the unbearable tragedy of losing their child, especially in such a violent manner. We will work tirelessly to pursue justice in this case.”
The shooting happened around 11:45 p.m. on Aug. 23 at a 76 Gas Station in the 8800 block of Whittier Boulevard. Investigators said Saith was walking back to his mother’s car when Chavez got out of a vehicle and opened fire “without provocation.”
Deputies said Chavez stood over the boy and fired several additional rounds before fleeing on foot into a nearby neighborhood. Saith was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chavez was arrested last week after deputies stopped him near Whittier Boulevard. He remains in custody.
Prosecutors will decide later whether to seek the death penalty.
Anyone with information is asked to call the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org
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