Richard Mata and Va’afatu Mativa die in fatal Carson shooting
Richard Mata and Va’afatu Mativa die in fatal Carson shooting
Carson shooting deaths of Richard Mata and Va’afatu Mativa – Obituary
A man was detained on Tuesday in connection with a potential gang-related shooting in Carson that claimed the lives of two men just blocks apart.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Steven De Jong, 22-year-old Raymond Maose was taken into custody in connection with the incident, which occurred at approximately 11:35 p.m. on Saturday in the 100 block of West 234th Street.
The sheriff’s department has not yet officially confirmed Maose’s arrest.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner identified the second victim as 18-year-old Va’afatu Mativa of Gardena, who had recently undergone a kidney transplant, according to his father. The first victim was previously identified as 44-year-old Richard Mata of Carson.
Lt. De Jong explained to the Daily Breeze that investigators believe Mata, who was inside his vehicle, fired shots that struck Mativa, who was standing nearby. Maose then allegedly returned fire, hitting Mata. Mata’s vehicle then moved forward and collided with a parked car on East 234th Street.
Investigators suspect the shooting may have been gang-related, although the exact cause of the confrontation remains unclear.
Both Mativa and Mata were pronounced dead at the scene.
A GoFundMe page has been created by Mata’s family to raise funds for his funeral. The page describes Mata as “a loving son, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend,” and highlights that “Richard’s most precious gift was his three beautiful children.”
Authorities urge anyone with information about the shootings to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
Richard Mata and Va’afatu Mativa die in fatal Carson shooting Carson shooting deaths of Richard Mata and Va’afatu Mativa – Obituary A man was detained on Tuesday in connection with a potential gang-related shooting in Carson that claimed the lives of two men just blocks apart. According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Steven…
Richard Mata and Va’afatu Mativa die in fatal Carson shooting Carson shooting deaths of Richard Mata and Va’afatu Mativa – Obituary A man was detained on Tuesday in connection with a potential gang-related shooting in Carson that claimed the lives of two men just blocks apart. According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Steven…