Two Fatal Shootings in Carson Under Investigation; Victims Identified as Richard Mata and Vaa Fatu

CARSON, CA – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s investigators are working to determine whether there is a connection between two fatal shootings that occurred Saturday night on adjacent blocks in Carson. The tragic incidents, happening almost simultaneously, have left the community reeling and searching for answers.

The Sheriff’s Department reported that shortly before midnight, homicide detectives responded to two separate locations within the 100 blocks of East and West 234th Street. At each location, a man was found fatally shot. Initially, authorities were unsure if the two homicides were related.

According to an update from the Sheriff’s Department on Sunday, deputies first discovered one of the victims lying in the street. Shortly after, they located a second victim inside a vehicle nearby. Paramedics from the Los Angeles County Fire Department pronounced both men dead at the scene.

While the Sheriff’s Department has yet to release official information regarding the victims or suspects, family members who gathered at the scenes identified the deceased as 45-year-old Richard Mata and 18-year-old Vaa Fatu, according to KTLA5. The tragic loss of these two individuals has struck a deep chord in the Carson community.

Mata’s sister shared with KTLA that he was a Carson native and a father of three who had recently returned to the area after living in Arizona. His unexpected death has left his family heartbroken. Meanwhile, Fatu’s father described him as a loving and good-natured young man who had been battling health issues. Fatu had been on dialysis before recently receiving a new kidney, making his sudden death even more tragic.

Authorities have not yet disclosed any potential motives or connections between the two shootings. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to piece together what led to these deadly encounters.

The Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with information related to the shootings to come forward and assist in the investigation. As Carson mourns the loss of Richard Mata and Vaa Fatu, their families and friends are left grappling with the devastating impact of violence in their community.

Further updates on this case will be provided as more information becomes available. The authorities continue to seek justice for both victims while the Carson community unites in grief and solidarity during this difficult time.