A man who killed Officer Samuel Liberos and another man and wounded a second officer has been formally charged in connection with a shooting at Baldwin Park last weekend.
Eduardo Roberto Medina Bellmen, 22, faces two murders along with other charges, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Tuesday.
The charges include allegations of multiple murders and murder of a peace officer. These special circumstances could make Medina-Bermen the subject of death penalty if he is found guilty.
Hochman said his office will decide at a later date whether to pursue the death penalty.
“Officer Liberos left a lasting impact, loved nothing other than wearing his uniform and protecting the community he served,” Hochman said. “We should not underestimate the risks executives face when reporting for work.
Officer Samuel Liberos is seen in a photo released by Baldwin Park Police Station.
The murder charges are linked to a Saturday evening shootout that led to the deaths of 43-year-old Darius Wong, a nine-year veteran of Baldwin Park Police Station, and 43-year-old Darius Wong, the father of two young daughters.
Medina Bellmen is also charged with two attempted murders, allegedly firing shots at two other Baldwin Park police officers.
Officers were dispatched to the 4200 block of Philharmonicles Avenue at 7:15pm on Saturday, based on reports of a man carrying a rifle. Once they arrived, deputies found Wong, suffering from a gunshot wound in his upper body. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he was later declared dead.
Authorities said Wong had just parked his car and was walking to a social gathering when he was shot.
When officers arrived, prosecutors said Medina Belomen fired fire, killing Liberos and injuring another officer who was taken to a nearby hospital.
Medina-Bermen was also shot when officers returned the fire, the DA’s office said.
Darius Wong
“Sam was a dedicated officer who represented our department with dignity and honor,” said Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert A. Lopez. “Faced with danger, Sam has put the safety of others selflessly before him and gives him that to his life. We will never forget Sam.
Medina-Berumen’s arrest is not yet planned.
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