Joe Rivera, 36, of Imperial Beach was shot and killed in the early morning hours of September 6, 2025, outside the Bullpen Tavern on the 600 block of Seventh Street. Deputies answering a disturbance about 1:25 a.m. found him with traumatic injuries; CPR and lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Surveillance audio from a nearby home captured a single gunshot just before 1:30 a.m., matching the time he was found.

Reports say Rivera had ridden his skateboard to meet his brother that night. Family and friends have gathered near the tavern to remember him as a devoted father and hardworking plumber; a fundraiser was launched for his four children. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as appearing isolated and asked the public for tips while homicide detectives interviewed witnesses and collected evidence.

Within days deputies arrested Vince Quintero, who was booked on suspicion of murder and grand theft of a firearm and pleaded not guilty at a subsequent court appearance. Authorities have not disclosed what led to the shooting; does anyone have information about that night or about Rivera’s movements near Seventh Street?