Samuel Riveros Killed in Baldwin Park Officer-Involved Shooting

Samuel Riveros — Officer Dies in Deadly Shootout with Suspect

BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA (April 29, 2026) — Officer Samuel Riveros was killed in a deadly shootout in Baldwin Park that also claimed the life of civilian Darius Wong. Bodycam footage was released showing the incident, and suspect Eduardo Roberto Medina-Berumen was charged with two counts of murder. The California Department of Justice is investigating the officer-involved shooting under AB 1506.

Liability for Los Angeles Officer-Involved Shootings

Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, individuals can seek civil rights damages when police officers violate constitutional rights under color of law. California Penal Code § 835a establishes standards for peace officer use of force, while the California Civil Code § 52.1 (Bane Act) provides state-level civil rights protections. The U.S. Constitution's Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable seizure, and Graham v. Connor (1989) 490 U.S. 386 establishes the objective reasonableness standard for excessive force claims. Police departments, municipalities, and individual officers may all face liability.

  • Failure to De-escalate: Officers may not have used required de-escalation techniques.
  • Excessive Force: The level of force may be disproportionate to any perceived threat.
  • Lack of Warning: Officers may not have given adequate warning before using force.
  • Mental Health Crisis: Persons in mental distress require specialized response.

Civil rights violations may be based on negligence, constitutional violations under § 1983, or state civil rights laws. Families may recover damages for wrongful death, pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost income, and punitive damages in cases involving deliberate indifference or malicious conduct.

Steps to Take After a Los Angeles Officer-Involved Shooting

According to the California Department of Justice, there were 110 officer-involved shootings in California in 2023 that resulted in death or serious bodily injury.

  • Request body camera footage through a California Public Records Act request.
  • Seek the involved officer's use-of-force history and prior complaint records.
  • Request the incident report and any internal affairs investigation documents.
  • File a government tort claim within 6 months of the incident.
  • Consult a civil rights attorney before making any statements to investigators.

Statute of limitations: 2 years — California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. For claims against government entities: Government claim deadline: 6 months — California Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.

Investigating Los Angeles Officer-Involved Shootings

We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Samuel Riveros. Was the use of deadly force justified under the circumstances? Did officers follow proper protocols for engaging with armed suspects?

Do you have questions about a Los Angeles officer-involved shooting? Our team is here for you. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.