A 22-year-old suspect who allegedly fired indiscriminately with an AR-15-style rifle, killing a police officer and a civilian in Southern California, is now facing potential death penalty charges as he appeared in court in a wheelchair after being shot during his capture.
Key Takeaways
- Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen, 22, faces two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros and civilian Darius Wong on May 31
- Medina-Berumen has been ordered held without bail and appeared in court in a wheelchair due to injuries sustained during his capture
- An AR-15-style weapon with high-capacity magazines was recovered at the scene where the suspect allegedly fired indiscriminately before being captured
- Prosecutors say Medina-Berumen could face the death penalty if convicted of the charges, which also include two counts of attempted murder of other officers
Deadly Attack Claims Lives of Officer and Civilian
The May 31 shooting in Baldwin Park has sent shockwaves through the Southern California community, claiming the lives of 35-year-old Officer Samuel Riveros, a nine-year veteran of the force and father of two, along with 43-year-old Darius Wong, also a married father of two young daughters. According to authorities, Medina-Berumen opened fire with a short-barrel rifle outside his home, firing randomly and creating a deadly confrontation when police responded to the scene. The suspect now faces multiple serious charges that could result in the ultimate punishment if he’s convicted.
“immediately fired upon by this suspect, who had a rifle,” Said Sheriff Robert Luna.
Court records show that Medina-Berumen has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder for allegedly firing at two other Baldwin Park police officers during the incident. Officer Anthony Pimentel was injured in the gunfire but survived. The suspect was ultimately taken into custody after running out of ammunition during the gun battle with responding officers, which left him wounded and now requiring a wheelchair for his court appearances.
Weapons Charges and Legal Proceedings
In addition to the murder and attempted murder charges, Medina-Berumen also faces a charge of possession of an assault rifle after authorities recovered an AR-15-style weapon with high-capacity magazines at the scene. During his initial court appearance on June 11 in Pomona, California, he was ordered to be held without bail while awaiting his formal arraignment, which has been scheduled for July 31. The severity of the charges reflects the brutal nature of the attack that has devastated two families and an entire police department.
“started firing indiscriminately,” Said Deputy District Attorney Michael Michelena.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges against Medina-Berumen at a press conference held at the Hall of Justice in Los Angeles. The presence of Baldwin Park Police Officer Anthony Pimentel, who survived the shooting, alongside District Attorney Nathan Hochman underscored the gravity of the case and its impact on the law enforcement community. If convicted, Medina-Berumen could face a possible death sentence, though prosecutors have not yet formally announced whether they will seek capital punishment.
Community in Mourning
The shooting has left the Baldwin Park community reeling as they mourn the loss of both Officer Riveros and civilian Wong. According to Sheriff Luna’s account of the tragedy, when officers responded to reports of gunfire, they encountered Wong, who had already been shot by the suspect. Luna described finding Wong “unresponsive, that ultimately, unfortunately, was Mr. Wong,” Said Sheriff Robert Luna. Officers were then ambushed by Medina-Berumen, resulting in the death of Officer Riveros and injury to Officer Pimentel.
The seemingly random nature of the attack has heightened concerns about public safety and gun violence in the community. Medina-Berumen’s possession and use of an AR-15-style weapon with high-capacity magazines has reignited discussions about assault weapons in civilian hands. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the suspect continued firing until he ran out of ammunition, showing a complete disregard for human life and highlighting the dangers faced by police officers responding to increasingly volatile situations.
