A heartbreaking tragedy in Pico Rivera — a 13-year-old boy, Saith Toledo Mendez, was shot and killed while simply waiting for his mom to finish work at a gas station.
The incident happened just before midnight at a 76 gas station on Whittier Boulevard. Saith had stepped outside to use the restroom when, without warning, a gunman opened fire. His mother, Clara, rushed out to find her son on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head, pleading with him to hold on.
Saith was known as a loving, energetic child who proudly called himself his mom’s “protector,” especially after losing his father only months ago. His family says he had big dreams and a caring heart, even after enduring hardships like a period of homelessness before they found stability.
Authorities have arrested 20-year-old Andres Adan Chavez, charging him with murder, including special allegations of lying in wait and using a firearm. He’s being held on two million dollars bail. Investigators say the attack was unprovoked — no robbery attempt, no argument, just a senseless act of violence.
The community is devastated. Friends, classmates, and church members gathered for Saith’s funeral in Costa Mesa to honor his short but impactful life. A GoFundMe has been launched to support his grieving family.
Saith’s story is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be — and a call for justice against senseless gun violence.
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