Highlighting the dangers police officers face daily while protecting communities from violent criminals, a 22-year-old suspect faces murder charges after killing a heroic police officer.
See the tweet further down this post.
Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen unleashed a hail of bullets with an AR-15-style weapon during what appears to have been a parking dispute, killing Officer Samuel Riveros and civilian Darius Wong.
Medina-Berumen has been charged with two counts of murder following the May 31 incident that left the Baldwin Park community devastated.
Prosecutors say he could face life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty if convicted of the heinous crimes that left a dedicated police officer dead and a family without their father.
Officer Riveros, 35, rushed toward danger when responding to the “shots fired” call, putting the safety of his community ahead of his own.
The SWAT team member and field training officer had served his community since 2016.
Another officer, Anthony Pimentel, was injured by glass shards during the chaotic shootout but has since been released from the hospital.
Investigators recovered an AR-15-style weapon and high-capacity magazines at the scene, along with approximately 60 spent shell casings.
The evidence paints a picture of a brutal attack that began with what authorities believe was a simple parking dispute between the shooter and Wong, who was shot after merely parking his car near the suspect’s residence.
LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said:
“Officer Riveros … was entering effectively an open shooting environment when he decided to put the safety of his community ahead of his own safety. When the bullets were flying, he ran into those bullets … and in doing so, he made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Furthermore, reports indicated that Medina-Berumen’s family had previously reported his erratic behavior to police before the deadly rampage.
#BREAKING Murder charges have been filed against the suspect accused of killing a Baldwin Park police officer and a bystander in a shootout over the weekend.https://t.co/KBU2GYrLOu
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) June 3, 2025
The community has rallied to support both victims’ families. In honor of Officer Riveros, Los Angeles County flags were lowered to half-staff, and a Fund A Hero campaign was established to support his family.
For Wong, a GoFundMe was set up to assist with funeral costs for the father of two young daughters who was described by those who knew him as kind and hardworking.
“We’re just here to honor his name and let him know that through this tragedy he brought unity to the city of Baldwin Park,” Robert Gonzalez with Victory Outreach International stated.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that the filing of charges brings the community “one step closer to justice” for these senseless murders.
The LA County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the killings, while a decision on pursuing the death penalty will be made after a thorough review process.
A growing memorial of candles, flowers, and handwritten messages honors Officer Riveros’ sacrifice, and a vigil is planned at the Baldwin Park police department.
