Los Angeles- The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) held a press conference today to address the tragic murder of 13-year-old Saith Mendez, whose life was cut short in an act of senseless violence.
Sheriff Luna along with Homicide Bureau and Pico Rivera city officials together, called upon the community for assistance in locating the suspect responsible for Saith’s death.
Saith was the fourth child of five children and is remembered as a loving brother who enjoyed basketball with friends and spending time on video games. He is survived by three older siblings and a younger sister.
On Saturday, August 23, 2025, at approximately 11:35 p.m., Saith was accompanying his mother, Clara, during her night shift at a gas station in the 8800 block of Whittier Boulevard, Pico Rivera. After briefly speaking with her inside, he walked away from the station.
Moments later, a tan four-door vehicle arrived. While the driver approached the service window, a male passenger, later identified as 20-year-old Andres Chavez exited the vehicle and lingered nearby. As Saith returned to the gas station, he passed Chavez without incident. Without provocation, Chavez produced a firearm, advanced toward Saith, and fired at close range. After Saith collapsed, Chavez stood over him and fired multiple additional rounds before fleeing on foot into a nearby neighborhood.
Deputies from the Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Station arrived within minutes and provided medical aid until Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel took over. Despite their efforts, Saith succumbed to his injuries.
The vehicle’s driver and a female passenger remained at the scene and were later released after questioning. Chavez, however, fled and remains at large. He is considered armed and dangerous.
The tan sedan is being held as evidence.
Authorities emphasized two primary goals: bringing justice to Saith’s family and ensuring the safety of the community by apprehending Chavez.
Anyone with information on Chavez’s whereabouts is urged to contact LASD Homicide Bureau investigators at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). If Chavez is spotted, the public should not approach him and instead call 911 immediately.
“The community is an essential partner in solving crimes,” Sheriff Luna said. “Even the smallest detail may help bring justice to the Mendez family.”
LASD extended its gratitude to the Homicide Bureau and supporting units for their tireless efforts in identifying Chavez as the suspect. Once in custody, the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
Sheriff Robert Luna concluded: “We will not rest until justice is served. Our commitment is to keep our communities safe and to bring closure to those in mourning.”
“No family should have to endure this kind of pain. No parent should have to bury a child.” Pico Rivera City Mayor, John Garcia
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stands with the Mendez family and the Pico Rivera community during this time of unimaginable loss. Saith’s life, filled with promise and joy, was taken far too soon, and his family deserves justice. LASD urges anyone with information to come forward, reminding the community that together we have the power to make a difference.
