PICO RIVERA, CA — The Pico Rivera community is mourning the tragic loss of 13-year-old Saith Mendez, who was fatally shot outside a gas station late Saturday night, August 23, 2025. Authorities confirmed that the young teenager was shot just before midnight while waiting outside the 76 station on Whittier Boulevard, as his mother conducted her work inside.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and reports from KTLA, CBS News, and NBC Los Angeles, detectives described the incident as sudden and unprovoked. A man in his 20s approached Mendez and opened fire without any prior argument or robbery taking place.
“Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide investigators are responding to assist Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Station with a shooting death investigation,” a department press release stated. “The incident was reported on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at approximately 11:45 p.m. in the 8800 block of Whittier Blvd, in Pico Rivera.”
Emergency responders found Mendez with at least one gunshot wound, with reports indicating he was shot in the back multiple times. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet identified a suspect, and investigators have said the shooting does not appear connected to another homicide in Pico Rivera on August 21, 2025.
Remembering Saith Mendez
Saith Mendez, a young Hispanic boy with a bright future ahead, is remembered by his family and community as a curious, loving, and kind-hearted individual. According to friends and neighbors, he was deeply devoted to his mother and eager to help her in any way he could.
Family members shared that his mother is a single parent who was living in a shelter in Long Beach at the time. She would bring Saith to the gas station while she worked to ensure he was not left alone. Christine Kreimann, who knows Mendez’s mother, told KTLA:
“She’s homeless and she was living in a shelter in Long Beach and she would bring her son because she didn’t want to leave him there. When she was working with customers, he would come and pick up around the gas station for her.”
Community Support
In the wake of this tragedy, friends and loved ones have set up a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses. The page has raised over $9,000 toward a $15,000 goal, reflecting the community’s support for the grieving family.
“As my cousin Favi is a single mother of 5, any donation or share means so much to us right now,” the fundraising page reads.
Investigation Ongoing
Law enforcement continues to search for the shooter, described only as a man in his 20s. No arrests have been made, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The LAPD and Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Station, along with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, continue to work together to investigate the circumstances of Saith’s death and bring justice to his family.
Final Words
The death of Saith Mendez has left a community in deep sorrow. At only 13 years old, he was a young life full of potential, tragically cut short. His family, friends, and neighbors now face the challenge of remembering his life and cherishing the love and joy he brought to those around him, even in the brief time he was here.
Leave a Reply