Crime & Safety
Gang Member Charged With Cousin's Killing, Same Day Murder Of Whittier Police Officer
The murder charges include the special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, murder of a peace officer and murder to escape arrest.
WHITTIER, CA — A reputed gang member who allegedly gunned down a Whittier police officer within hours of killing his own cousin was charged Wednesday with two counts of capital murder.
Michael Christopher Mejia is charged with the Feb. 20 killings of Whittier police Officer Keith Boyer, who responded to a traffic crash in which Mejia was allegedly involved, and the defendant's 47-year-old cousin, Roy Torres, who was shot in East Los Angeles earlier that day.
The murder charges include the special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, murder of a peace officer and murder to escape arrest.
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The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has yet to decide whether to seek the death penalty against the 26-year-old defendant, who is also facing one count each of attempted murder, carjacking and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Mejia -- who has convictions for second-degree robbery in 2010 and grand theft auto in 2014 -- is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday at the Bellflower courthouse.
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Boyer, 53, was killed in a gun battle after responding to a report of a traffic collision near Colima Road and Mar Vista Street shortly after 8 a.m.
Mejia allegedly pulled out a semi-automatic handgun and fired at Boyer as well as Officer Patrick Hazell, who was shot in the abdomen but survived. Mejia was shot in the back during the shootout.
About 5:30 that morning, Mejia allegedly gunned down his cousin and took the victim's car, which he crashed into two other vehicles in Whittier, according to the District Attorney's Office.
A public viewing for Boyer is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Whittier Area Community Church, 8100 Colima Road. Boyer, a grandfather, musician and school resource officer, had been with the police department for 27 years.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Calvary Chapel Downey, 12808 Woodruff Ave. Following the service, a procession will carry Boyer's body to Rose Hills Memorial Park at 3888 Workman Mill Road in Whittier for a graveside service.
City News Service, Whittier Police Department Photo