A 22-year-old man has been charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder following a deadly shooting in Baldwin Park, California, that claimed the lives of a police officer and a civilian, and left another officer wounded.
Charges Filed
Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen, of Baldwin Park, was formally charged on June 3 with:
-
Two counts of murder with special circumstances
-
Two counts of attempted murder
-
One count of unlawful possession of an assault weapon
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the special circumstances charges could make Medina-Berumen eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without parole. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office will decide at a later date whether to pursue capital punishment.
Victims Identified
The victims have been identified as:
-
Officer Samuel Riveros, 35, of the Baldwin Park Police Department
-
Darius Wong, 43, a father of two from Hacienda Heights
Riveros was fatally shot as he responded to reports of gunfire on the evening of May 31. Wong, described as a “kind soul” and “hardworking man,” had just dropped off his family at a nearby gathering when he was caught in the crossfire and killed.
Incident Overview
At a press conference on June 3, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna provided details of the violent confrontation.
At 7:12 p.m. on May 31, officers responded to reports of a man with a rifle firing shots on the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue in Baldwin Park. Upon arrival, officers found Wong unresponsive on the sidewalk. Investigators believe he was gunned down moments after exiting his vehicle.
Officers Anthony Pimentel and Alfredo Leal were first on scene and were met with immediate gunfire. Officer Pimentel was injured by flying glass from a bullet that struck his patrol car.
Officer Riveros arrived shortly after and was struck by Medina-Berumen’s gunfire. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A subsequent exchange of gunfire left the suspect injured. Medina-Berumen was taken to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
Authorities recovered an AR-15-style rifle with two high-capacity magazines, along with 40 to 60 spent shell casings from the scene.
Tributes for the Fallen
Riveros, who joined the Baldwin Park Police Department in 2016, was remembered for his leadership, compassion, and dedication to youth mentorship through the Criminology Outreach Program at UC Irvine, where he earned his degree. He was also a SWAT officer and, as of 2024, a field training officer.
“His loss is deeply felt not just by his family and colleagues, but by the entire Baldwin Park community,” said LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis, who ordered flags at all county facilities lowered to half-staff until his funeral.
On June 3, a solemn motorcade procession of 27 motorcycle officers honored Riveros’ service.
Wong, described in a GoFundMe campaign by his brother as a devoted husband and father, worked at CHOC Children’s Hospital in Orange. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, ages 3 and 5.
Ongoing Investigation
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is continuing its investigation. Authorities are still determining the motive behind the shooting. No further suspects are being sought at this time.
