On the night of September 30, 2023, 17-year-old Joseph Isaiah Saldana was fatally shot outside a house party in San Pedro, California. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. in the 1200 block of North Park Western Drive, where Saldana was standing with three others when one or more suspects approached on foot and opened fire. Saldana, who had recently graduated from Dominguez High School with honors and was preparing to start college and his first job, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other victims, reportedly in their early 20s, were transported to a hospital and listed in stable condition.
In January 2024, authorities arrested 20-year-old Dion Johnson in connection with multiple fatal shootings in the Harbor City and San Pedro areas, including the murder of Joseph Saldana. Johnson was charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder. The charges also relate to the September 4, 2023, killings of 21-year-old Carlos Loera and 18-year-old Ashley Guzman in Harbor City, during which their 1-year-old child was injured but survived. Johnson was apprehended near the 900 block of Lakme Avenue and was held on $13.4 million bail.
Family members and the community have been deeply affected by Saldana's death. His godmother, Monique Vasquez, described him as "a sweet and loving boy who lit up a room with his beautiful smile." A GoFundMe page was established to assist his family with funeral expenses, reflecting the community's support during this tragic time. The arrest of Johnson provided some relief to the grieving family, though the loss of Saldana continues to resonate deeply.
