Mario Andres Vidales Mendez, 23, was killed during a fight at a 21st birthday party held at the A1 Auto Services and Towing lot in East Palo Alto on October 14, 2018. The altercation escalated when a man opened fire in the early hours; Mario and another guest, 22-year-old Eduardo Lalo Alvarado Sandoval of Stockton, were found dead when officers arrived after ShotSpotter detected the gunfire. Two other people were seriously wounded.

Police described the shooting as arising from a personal dispute at the party rather than gang activity and have reviewed nearby business security footage while pursuing leads. The suspect has been identified as Julian Rico Santana, described as 5 feet 10 inches with black hair and brown eyes; a $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to arrest and conviction. Mario’s sister Leslie Gonzalez set up a GoFundMe to help pay burial costs, and Mothers Against Murder has been involved in advocacy for the case.

No arrest has been announced. If anyone has information about that night or the suspect, please contact the East Palo Alto police.