L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna on Investigation into the Murder of 13-Year-Old Sai Mendez

Tragic Murder of Sai Mendez

• 💔 The press conference addresses the senseless murder of 13-year-old Sai Mendez, who was shot on August 23rd.
• 😔 Sheriff Robert Luna expressed deep sorrow for the victim's mother, Clara, who witnessed the horrific event.
• 🌟 Sai Mendez is remembered as a young man with a bright and promising future, who enjoyed video games and basketball.

The Incident and Suspect Identification

• ⛽ On the evening of July 23rd, Sai was at a gas station where his mother worked. He was shot unprovoked as he walked back towards his mother's vehicle.
• 🚗 A tan four-door vehicle arrived, and the male suspect, identified as Andres Chavez, 20, exited the rear passenger seat.
• 🔫 Chavez approached Sai, drew a firearm, and fired multiple rounds at close range after Sai walked past him without engagement.
• 🏃‍♂️ Following the shooting, Chavez fled on foot into a residential area.

Law Enforcement and Community Appeal

• 🚨 Deputies and the fire department attempted life-saving measures, but Sai succumbed to his injuries.
• 🔍 The Sheriff's Department, along with Pico Rivera city officials, are actively seeking the public's help to locate Andres Chavez.
• ⚠️ Chavez is considered armed and dangerous, and the public is urged not to approach him but to call 911 immediately.
• 🤝 The Sheriff's Department and the city of Pico Rivera are committed to bringing Chavez into custody and ensuring justice for the Mendez family.

Investigation Details and Suspect Background

• 🗣️ Information regarding the driver and passenger of the tan vehicle is still under investigation.
• ⚖️ Chavez has a prior arrest and conviction in Bakersfield, believed to be for a violent assault.
• ❓ Gang affiliations are being investigated as part of the ongoing inquiry.
• 📍 Authorities believe Chavez may still be in the area and are relying on community assistance to find him.