Andres Adan Chavez
Wave Wire Services
PICO RIVERA — A young man has been charged with murder in connection with a 13-year-old boy’s shooting death at a gas station where the victim’s mother was working.
The murder charge against Andres Adan Chavez, 20, includes the special circumstance allegation of murder while lying in wait, along with allegations that he personally used and intentionally discharged a firearm, according to the criminal complaint filed Sept. 2.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is expected to decide later whether to seek the death penalty against Chavez, who is listed in the complaint as having the moniker “Evil,” is also facing a felony count of carrying a loaded firearm on one’s person or in a vehicle, including an allegation that he was not the registered owner of the gun, according to the complaint.
Chavez was arrested Aug. 28 by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies in connection with the Aug. 23 killing of Saith Toledo Mendez at a gas station in the 8800 block of Whittier Boulevard.
The teen had been waiting in his mother’s car for her to finish her shift, but went inside the station to speak with her. He then walked out and past Chavez, who had exited a sedan and was lingering about the station, Sheriff Robert Luna said.
“Unprovoked, suspect Chavez drew a firearm, took several steps toward Saith and shot him at close range,” the sheriff said.
The boy’s mother watched as the gunman shot her child “in the back without prior interaction,” Luna said.
After the boy collapsed, the suspect allegedly stood over him and fired multiple rounds into him before fleeing on foot into a nearby residential area, according to the sheriff.
The driver of a tan car and a female passenger remained at the scene and were questioned and released pending further investigation.
Chavez — who made his first court appearance in the case Sept. 2 in a courtroom in Downey — was ordered to be held without bail. He is due next in a Norwalk courtroom for arraignment Sept. 29.
