Joey Melendrez, a 25-year-old Latino man, was killed during a drive-by shooting at a Sylmar cemetery in the early hours of November 1, 2025. He was with several others in the 13000 block of Lopez Canyon Road near Glen Haven & Sholom Memorial Park when a small sedan drove past and someone inside opened fire. Melendrez was struck in the upper torso and was pronounced dead at the scene; a second person suffered non-life-threatening injuries and went to a hospital on their own.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified Melendrez and confirmed his death at the cemetery. Deputies and homicide detectives canvassed the area and appealed for public tips, but authorities released only the limited description of the vehicle as a small sedan and had not announced arrests, suspects, or a motive. The death is being investigated as a homicide.

If anyone was at the cemetery that night or has information about the small sedan or the shooting, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau or submit an anonymous tip to the crime hotline.