PICO RIVERA, Calif. — What began as a routine Saturday night ended in heartbreak when 13-year-old Saith was shot and killed outside a Pico Rivera gas station. Authorities have identified the suspected gunman as 20-year-old Andres Adan Chavez, who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
Investigators say the tragedy unfolded just after 10 p.m. Saith had been waiting for his mother to finish her overnight shift as a gas station attendant. After speaking briefly with her inside, he began walking back to her car in the lot.
At that moment, Chavez allegedly approached and opened fire at close range. The attack, described by witnesses as sudden and unprovoked, left the boy fatally wounded within seconds.
Despite first responders’ immediate efforts, Saith was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Suspect: Armed and Dangerous
Sheriff’s deputies say Chavez fled on foot after the shooting. He has not been seen since. Authorities believe he may still be in the area and are urging the public to remain vigilant.
“If you see him, do not approach,” said an LASD spokesperson at a Sunday morning press conference. “Call 911 immediately. We believe he is armed and dangerous.”
The Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau is asking anyone with information on Chavez’s whereabouts to call 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.
A Community Shaken
News of the murder spread quickly across Pico Rivera, leaving residents stunned and fearful. Neighbors gathered outside the gas station Sunday morning to lay flowers, light candles, and write messages of love for the boy.
“He was just waiting for his mom. He didn’t deserve this,” said Maria Torres, a family friend. “Our community is devastated. He was such a good kid.”
Parents in the area say the killing has shaken their sense of safety. “We walk our kids here all the time. To think something like this could happen to a child — it’s unthinkable,” one resident said.
A Mother’s Worst Nightmare
For Saith’s mother, the tragedy is unbearable. She had been only steps away when the shooting happened. After working through the night to support her family, she now faces the unimaginable grief of losing her son to violence just outside her workplace.
Friends say she is devastated but surrounded by community members who have pledged their support. Plans are underway for a candlelight vigil and possibly a fundraising effort to help the family cover funeral expenses.
Sheriff’s Call for Help
Authorities believe someone may know where Chavez is hiding and are appealing directly to the public.
“Somebody out there has information,” said Sheriff’s officials. “We urge you to come forward. This young boy’s family deserves justice.”
Deputies are reviewing nearby surveillance cameras and interviewing witnesses to piece together Chavez’s movements after the shooting.
Rising Concerns About Gun Violence
The murder has also renewed local conversations about youth safety and gun violence in Los Angeles County. Community leaders are calling for stronger preventive measures to ensure children are protected in public spaces.
“This is every parent’s nightmare,” said a Pico Rivera city councilmember. “We must do everything we can to keep our neighborhoods safe, and that starts with finding the suspect responsible for this horrific crime.”
How You Can Help
- Report tips: Call the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
- In an emergency: If you spot Chavez, call 911 immediately — do not attempt to approach him.
- Support the family: Details on vigils and community support efforts are expected to be announced in the coming days.
A Life Cut Short
As candles flicker at the growing memorial site, the community continues to mourn a life lost far too soon. Saith was just 13 — a boy with dreams, a family who loved him, and a future ahead of him.
Instead, his name now stands as a painful reminder of senseless violence, and of a family forever changed on what should have been an ordinary Saturday night.
The search for Andres Adan Chavez continues. Until he is found, Pico Rivera remains on edge — but united in its demand for justice for Saith.
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