On August 24, 2024, at about 11:35 p.m., 18-year-old Va’Afatu Mativa was fatally shot in Carson, California. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:50 p.m. The incident also killed 44-year-old Richard Mata, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

According to investigators, Mata was seated in his vehicle and fired shots that struck Mativa, who was standing nearby. In turn, 22-year-old Raymond Maose allegedly returned fire and fatally wounded Mata. Mata’s vehicle then rolled forward and struck a parked car. Authorities have arrested Maose and describe the shootings as believed to be gang-related; the exact motive remains under investigation. Both Mativa and Mata were known to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department gang unit as members of rival factions.

Va’Afatu Mativa was the nephew of singer-songwriter Tenelle Christine Luafalemana. The community has mourned the loss of a young life. If anyone has information, contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.