News Releases

Medina Berumen also charged with attempted murder of two officers

BALDWIN PARK, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that a 22-year-old man was charged today with murdering Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros who responded to a call of a man who had been fatally shot in a Baldwin Park neighborhood over the weekend.

“Officer Riveros left a lasting impact and loved nothing more than putting on the uniform and protecting the community he served,” District Attorney Hochman said. “We should never underestimate the dangers that officers face when they report for work, showing up day after day in service of something larger than themselves.

Officer Riveros stood for justice and accountability, and that’s exactly what we will pursue in this case. The sacrifices he made will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were killed as they mourn this tragic loss.”

“Sam was a dedicated officer who represented our department with dignity and honor,” said Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert A. López. “In the face of danger, Sam selflessly put the safety of others before his own and gave his life doing so. He was a part of our family, and it is hard to capture what a tremendous loss this is for our department and Baldwin Park. We will never forget Sam and we will lean on one another in our shared grief as we move forward.”

“The filing of charges in the tragic murders of Officer Samuel Riveros and an innocent victim brings us one step closer to justice,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. “This cowardly and unprovoked act of violence against a brave and dedicated public servant is absolutely unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with the family of Officer Riveros, the Baldwin Park Police Department and the entire law enforcement community as we mourn.”

Eduardo Roberto Medina Berumen (dob 8/6/02) was charged in case 25PSCF00302 with two counts of murder with the special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and murder of a peace officer. He also faces two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer and one count of possession of an assault weapon. The complaint also alleges that he personally used a firearm that caused great bodily injury or death.

Arraignment will be scheduled for a later date.

On May 31, at about 7 p.m., police officers responded to a call of shots fired in the 4200 block of Filhurst Avenue in Baldwin Park. Medina Berumen is accused of fatally shooting Darius Wong, 43, who had just parked his car.

When officers arrived, the defendant opened fire, killing Riveros and wounding another officer, who was taken to a nearby hospital. Medina Berumen was also shot in the exchange of gunfire with officers.

If convicted as charged, Medina Berumen faces death or life in state prison without the possibility of parole. A decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made at a later date.

The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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