Carson, CA – The Carson community is in mourning after two fatal shootings occurred on Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of Richard Mata and Vaa Fatu. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incidents, which took place on adjacent blocks of East and West 234th Street.
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire shortly before midnight. At one location, deputies found a man fatally shot lying in the street. A short distance away, a second victim was discovered in a vehicle. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The victims have been identified by family members as 45-year-old Richard Mata and 18-year-old Vaa Fatu. Mata, a father of three, had recently returned to Carson after living in Arizona. His sister expressed the family’s deep heartbreak over his unexpected death.
Vaa Fatu, who had been battling health issues and recently received a kidney transplant, was described by his father as a loving and good-natured young man. The sudden loss of Fatu, who had just begun to recover, has added to the tragedy felt by his family and the Carson community.
The Sheriff’s Department has not released any information about potential suspects or motives. Investigators are working to determine if there is a connection between the two shootings.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incidents to come forward. As the investigation continues, the community of Carson remains united in grief, seeking justice for Richard Mata and Vaa Fatu. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.