News Summary
Costa Mesa is grappling with tragedy as two young residents, including a 13-year-old boy and a 20-year-old woman, were fatally shot in recent incidents. The boy, Saith Toledo Mendez, was shot at a gas station, while Montserrat ‘Monse’ Colorado was shot after her shift as a health-care worker. Authorities are actively investigating both cases and seeking public assistance to bring justice for the victims and their families.
Costa Mesa Reports Multiple Homicides Among Young Residents
A 13-year-old boy was shot multiple times late Saturday night at a gas station in Pico Rivera, marking a tragic event in the community. The victim, Saith Toledo Mendez, was shot around 11:45 p.m. on August 24, at the 76 station located at the 8800 block of Whittier Boulevard. Authorities have arrested the driver of a car suspected to be involved, under suspicion of being an accessory to murder, according to sheriff’s officials.
The shooter, who was one of at least two passengers in the vehicle, managed to flee the scene, and the motive for the shooting remains unknown. Surveillance footage captured the car arriving at the gas station and the driver exiting along with the alleged shooter. Saith Toledo Mendez was known for often accompanying his mother to her workplace, making this incident even more devastating for the community.
This shooting incident in Pico Rivera follows another fatal shooting that occurred just two days earlier, on August 21, at a Shell gas station on Washington Boulevard. Investigators have stated that the two shootings are not connected, as they noted differing appearances of suspects from the surveillance footage. The victim from the August 21 incident has not yet been publicly identified and succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Preliminary investigations suggest that a confrontation or argument may have led to that shooting.
Costa Mesa Homicide Investigation
In another disturbing event, Montserrat “Monse” Colorado, a 20-year-old woman, was shot multiple times just shortly after 11 p.m. on August 25 while waiting for a ride after finishing her shift as a home health-care worker. This shooting took place on the 1500 block of Lukup Lane, located in a residential area in close proximity to the Costa Mesa Country Club.
Witnesses reported seeing an assailant approach Colorado, fire several shots, and then flee the scene on foot. Emergency responders rushed to her aid and transported her to a nearby hospital, where she eventually died from her injuries. Authorities believe that the suspect in Colorado’s case is someone she was familiar with, although specific details regarding the suspect have not yet been disclosed.
Investigative Efforts and Public Appeal
Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating both shooting cases and are seeking assistance from the public. Individuals with information regarding the shooting death of Saith Toledo Mendez in Pico Rivera are encouraged to contact authorities at 323-890-5500. For those with information related to the homicide of Montserrat Colorado, they can reach Detective Ron Stocking at 714-754-5392 or Sgt. Jake Jacobi at 714-754-5352.
As these investigations continue, the Costa Mesa community is left grappling with the loss of two young lives taken too soon. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of community cooperation to help bring justice for the victims and their families.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Costa Mesa Boy Killed at Pico Rivera Gas Station
- ABC7: 20-Year-Old Woman Shot to Death in Costa Mesa
- KTLA: Man, 19, Arrested in Murder Case of Young Woman Shot in Costa Mesa
- Los Angeles Times: 20-Year-Old Woman Shot in Costa Mesa Homicide ID’d
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homicides in Costa Mesa
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
