Double Homicide in The Harbor Area NR16320sr

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Harbor detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing any additional information.

On October 12, 2016, around 9:25 a.m., the suspect (Joey Mendoza) walked into the restaurant located at the 1100 block of West Pacific Coast Highway in Wilmington.

The suspect approached the victim who was standing next to the counter. The suspect fired several shots with a handgun at the victim. The victim was struck by a bullet and collapsed. An additional victim who was working at the restaurant behind the counter was also struck by stray gun fire, and also collapsed at scene.

The Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and pronounced one victim dead at scene. The Paramedics transported a second victim to the local hospital and was later pronounced dead.

Harbor Detectives identified the suspect through surveillance video, witness statements, and gang intelligence. Detectives served a search warrant and captured the suspect without incident. The handgun remains outstanding.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Harbor Area Homicide Detective Cortez or Coffee at (310) 726-7889, or (310) 726-7887. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDonline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.