Fifteen-year-old Daniel Julian Mejia was shot and killed on the evening of November 30, 2023, in South Gate, California. The shooting occurred about 8:40 p.m. on San Jose Avenue, a block from his home. Daniel was walking with another person when an unknown assailant approached and asked about gang affiliation; after Daniel did not answer, the assailant produced a firearm and shot him once in the chest, the bullet striking his heart. He was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead at 9:46 p.m.

Daniel’s family describe him as joyful and kind; his mother, Elisa Martinez, said he was not involved in gang activity. A makeshift memorial was set up at the scene and a GoFundMe was started to help the family. No arrests have been announced and the South Gate Police Department is actively investigating, asking anyone with information to contact detectives.

A graveside service was held on December 23, 2023, at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. Can anyone who was in the area that evening or who knows anything about the shooting please come forward with information?