Saith Mendez Obituary, Death; – A 13-year-old boy has tragically lost his life after being shot outside a gas station in Los Angeles, as reported by various news outlets.
On Saturday, August 23, Saith Mendez was waiting outside the 76 station in Pico Rivera when he was shot shortly before midnight, according to KTLA and CBS News, which cited the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
He was reportedly waiting for his mother to complete her work inside the gas station, as stated by the news outlets and NBC Los Angeles.
Detectives informed CBS News that a suspect, described as a man in his 20s, approached Mendez unexpectedly before opening fire. There was no argument between them, and no robbery occurred prior to the shooting, according to the detectives, as reported by the outlet.
The teenager was discovered with at least one gunshot wound. NBC Los Angeles reported that officials indicated the gunman shot the boy in the back multiple times.
“Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide investigators are responding to assist Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Station with a shooting death investigation,” the LAPD stated in a press release. “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.”
They further stated, “The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.”
In a subsequent update, the department mentioned that they were “continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of a male Hispanic aged 13 years.” “At this time, the incident does not appear to be linked to the homicide that occurred on August 21, 2025, in Pico Rivera,” they added. “Currently, there is no information regarding suspects.”
As reported by NBC Los Angeles, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting of Mendez. Family members, who remember Mendez as a curious and loving individual, shared their grief, according to CBS News.
A woman who knows Mendez’s mother told KTLA that she is homeless. “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,” Christine Kreimann said. “When she was working with customers, he would come and pick up around the gas station for her.”
At the time of publication, a GoFundMe page had so far raised over $9,000 of a $15,000 goal to help with funeral expenses for Mendez.
Innocence Lost: A Young Boy’s Tragic End
The community of Pico Rivera is left devastated after the tragic shooting of 13-year-old Saith Mendez on the night of August 23. Saith, a bright and curious child, was simply waiting outside a gas station for his mother to finish her shift when his life was abruptly stolen from him. The senselessness of the act — a young boy shot multiple times in the back by a stranger — has shaken families and neighbors alike. In a world where children should feel safe, Saith’s death serves as a grim reminder of the violence that can touch even the most innocent among us.
A Mother’s Struggle and a Community’s Support
Behind this heartbreaking story lies a mother doing her best under difficult circumstances. Saith’s mother, a homeless woman living in a shelter in Long Beach, brought her son with her to work because she refused to leave him alone and vulnerable. Saith would help around the gas station, a testament to the close bond they shared despite their hardships. Now, the community has rallied around this grieving family, raising funds to cover funeral expenses and to show support. The GoFundMe page created for Saith has raised thousands, but no amount of money can fill the void left by such a devastating loss.
The Search for Justice Continues
Despite the arrest of many suspects in similar cases, no arrests have been made yet in Saith’s shooting. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, hoping to find answers and hold those responsible accountable. The LAPD and Pico Rivera Sheriff’s Station are urging anyone with information to come forward to bring justice for Saith. His family and community wait in painful limbo, clinging to hope that his life and memory will not be forgotten, and that one day, justice will be served.
