Just before dawn on July 13, 2025, Joshua Monugian, 34, was shot and killed on the 14800 block of Steprock Drive in La Mirada, California. Deputies arrived about 3:45 a.m. and found Monugian fatally wounded by a gunshot to the head; he was pronounced dead at the scene and the case was classified as a homicide.

Investigators say the violence began when a man and a woman argued and Monugian and another man stepped in to break it up. A vehicle pulled alongside, a suspect exited and opened fire. A 51-year-old man was also shot in the torso and survived after being taken to hospital. Detectives said the shooter fled and that, in the initial public updates on July 13 and July 14, no suspect description or arrests had been released.

Remembrances for Joshua Monugian appeared online in the days after the killing, while detectives continued to canvass the area and investigate. If anyone saw activity on Steprock Drive near La Mirada Boulevard and Imperial Highway in the early hours of July 13, or has information about the vehicle or shooter, contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau.