A tragic shootout in Baldwin Park, California, has left two individuals dead — including a Baldwin Park police officer and an innocent bystander — and resulted in multiple felony charges against a 22-year-old suspect. The violent confrontation, which erupted on the evening of Saturday, June 1, has shocked the local community and drawn renewed attention to the dangers of armed violence in public spaces.
Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen, 22, has been formally charged with five criminal counts, including two counts of murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of an assault rifle, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. If convicted of first-degree murder, Medina-Berumen faces the possibility of life in prison or even the death penalty.
The fallen officer has been identified as Samuel Riveros, a respected Baldwin Park police officer who had served the department since 2016. In a moving show of respect, hundreds lined the streets as a procession carried Riveros from the coroner’s office to Forest Lawn in Covina. Flags across Los Angeles County have been ordered to half-staff in his memory.
The second victim, 43-year-old Darius Wong, was a father of two young daughters, ages 3 and 5. According to family members, Wong had just dropped off his wife and children at a neighborhood gathering and was walking to find parking when the deadly confrontation began.
Wong had no involvement in the argument that preceded the shooting, but he was tragically caught in the crossfire.
While the full motive remains under investigation, neighbors and witnesses suggest the deadly encounter began with a dispute over a parking space during a housewarming party on Palm Avenue. One neighbor recalled the suspect confronting someone about parking in front of the house. Shortly after, gunfire erupted.
Surveillance footage obtained by local news outlets captured the chaos: more than a dozen shots rang out, and additional footage showed Wong running for his life before collapsing on the sidewalk.
Medina-Berumen reportedly fired at officers who responded to the scene. In the exchange of gunfire, Officer Riveros was fatally wounded, and another officer, Anthony Pimentel, was injured but later released from the hospital.
Wong’s family is now grappling with unimaginable grief. His brother, Victor Vuong, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs and support Wong’s two children. In the campaign description, Vuong wrote, “We won’t stop until the truth is known and accountability is found.”
A memorial now stands at the spot where Wong died. “It’s just very sad how this devil killed him,” Vuong told reporters. “It’s terrible how this unfolded.”
The Baldwin Park community has responded with a unified outpouring of support. Prayer vigils, public memorials, and donations have poured in for both Wong’s family and the Riveros family. A Fund A Hero campaign has also been set up for Officer Riveros.
Medina-Berumen is expected to face multiple murder charges in connection with both deaths. His alleged use of an AR-15 style rifle, combined with the unprovoked nature of the attack, could elevate the case to capital punishment eligibility.
Beyond the criminal prosecution, civil legal claims may also be pursued by the victims’ families, especially in cases involving wrongful death, negligent security, or failure to control firearms.
Darius Wong’s death is a powerful and painful reminder that bystanders are often the forgotten victims of public violence. In California, families of wrongful death victims may pursue compensation for:
Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship or parental guidance
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and trauma
The civil justice system provides a path for families to seek accountability, even as the criminal trial moves forward. In some cases, victims' families may also explore whether any parties failed in their duty to prevent the tragedy — including property owners, event organizers, or gun providers.
Can I Sue For Being Shot in California? Learn more.
At Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, we are committed to standing with families like the Wong and Riveros families in the aftermath of senseless violence. Whether a loved one is killed by a stray bullet, caught in a crossfire, or wrongfully harmed, our legal team fights for accountability and justice.
We work with clients to uncover every source of liability, ensure their rights are protected, and recover compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
If your family has been affected by a public shooting or wrongful death, contact Haggard Crime Victim Attorney today for a free consultation. You do not have to navigate this devastating time alone — we are here to help.
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