Joseph Isaiah Saldana was 17 when he was fatally shot outside a house party in San Pedro on the night of September 30, 2023. The shooting happened around 11:30 p.m. in the 1200 block of North Park Western Drive; Saldana was standing with three others when one or more suspects approached on foot and opened fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other victims, reportedly in their early 20s, were taken to a hospital and listed in stable condition.

Saldana had recently graduated from Dominguez High School with honors and was preparing to start college and his first job. Family members described him as a sweet, loving young man who lit up a room with his smile, and a GoFundMe was set up to help with funeral expenses. In January 2024, authorities arrested 20-year-old Dion Johnson in connection with multiple fatal shootings in the Harbor City and San Pedro areas; Johnson was charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder and was held on $13.4 million bail. The loss continues to affect family and the community.

If anyone knew Joseph, was at the party that night, or has information about the shooting, please come forward to investigators.