Homeless juvenile kills another teen
PANORAMA CITY—While local witnesses were able to assist in the arrest of the 17-year-old suspect, no one could prevent the death of 17-year-old Eduardo Mendoza after a March 29th shooting in broad daylight. According to a LAPD press release, witnesses called authorities just after 7 PM, reporting gunshots and a wounded victim on 14811 Parthenia Street.
“Several local residents deserve credit for stepping up in this tragic case,”said Capt. Todd Chamberlain, commanding officer of the Mission Area Police Station.
The Juvenile suspect was hiding, and apparently living, in the wash that runs under Parthenia.
Upon witnessing the shooting, some locals attended the wounded victim while others followed the suspect. When police arrived, the witnesses pointed to a wash 200 yards away from the scene of the crime. Officers arrested the suspect after they located him hiding under a blanket inside a drain conduit that emptied into the wash that ran under Parthenia Street. When he surrendered, officers found the handgun used in the shooting under his body.
After the suspect’s arrest, investigators learned that the juvenile had a clean record and had been living in the wash he was found in after a dispute with his stepfather. Conversely, Mendoza did have associations with gangs and local tagging crews and was living with his mother a couple of blocks away before his death. He was shot multiple times and died at a local hospital.
The suspect was booked for murder and is being held without bail at a local juvenile facility. The LAPD gave special thanks to the community for their assistance, and encouraged similar behavior in future cases.
“One witness said he was so upset with the shooting in broad daylight that he decided to help police, which was something he generally wouldn’t do,” Capt. Chamberlain explained. “Police could have a greater impact on violent crime if more people were willing to come forward like that.”
Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Gretchen Schultz, Mission Homicide Unit, at (818) 838-9952. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
Read More:
Los Cerritos News: Eduardo Mendoza Murder: LAPS Seek Leads Teen Fatally Shot in Panorama City
CBS Los Angeles: Boy, 17, Held For Murder Of Another 17-Year-Old In Panorama City
