Exactly one year ago today, on June 19, 2022, El Monte’s City Hall and all other city facilities were closed to the public. This closure was to allow employees to mourn the tragic loss of two police officers who were killed in the line of duty just the week prior.
The officers, Corporal Michael Paredes, 42, and Officer Joseph Santana, 31, were fatally shot while responding to a reported stabbing at a motel. The suspect, Justin William Flores, age 35, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the Los Angeles County coroner.
City Manager Alma Martinez expressed her condolences and announced the closure, stating, “My employees are grieving the loss of two officers who were part of our El Monte family. As we all cope with this tragedy, we are providing counseling services and support to our staff. It is a time for unity and healing for our Council, staff, and community.”
To support the employees, the city has arranged for on-site counseling services provided by professionals from Managed Health Network providers. The counseling sessions will take place at various locations, such as the Aquatics Center, Public Works Yard, City Hall West, and City Hall East, with specific time slots on Monday.
Additionally, lunch will be provided to all city employees at the El Monte Police Department’s outdoor patio from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The tragic incident occurred at the Siesta Inn on Garvey Ave. Both officers were shot in the head and later transported to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, where they succumbed to their injuries.
Regarding the events leading up to the shooting, Justin William Flores’ mother, Lynn Covarrubias, revealed that her son and his wife, who have a 7-year-old daughter, often stayed at the Siesta Inn despite being separated. Flores’ wife, Diana Flores, confirmed being present at the motel room during the incident and expressed her condolences, stating that the responding officers were trying to help her. She claims she had warned the officers about Flores being armed.
At a candlelight vigil held at the El Monte Civic Center, residents and community leaders from the San Gabriel Valley came together to mourn the loss of the two officers. El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona expressed gratitude for the community’s support and highlighted the bravery of the fallen officers.
During a news conference, Officer Santana’s mother, Olga Garcia, blamed Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón’s policies for her son’s death. She emphasized the need for criminals to be held responsible for their actions and stressed the importance of law and order.
Gascón’s policies have faced criticism, with Flores receiving a plea deal last year that allowed him to avoid prison time for firearm possession. Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, who is leading a petition drive to recall Gascón, denounced the plea deal, stating it exemplifies Gascón’s policies against prior strike convictions and jeopardizes public safety.
In response to the criticism, the District Attorney’s Office defended the sentence Flores received, citing his criminal history and the nature of the offense. They noted Flores’ prior burglary conviction involved burglarizing his grandparents’ house, without a documented history of violence.
Gascón expressed condolences to the fallen officers’ families in a statement but did not directly address the criticisms. He emphasized that his office remains committed to holding violent individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring community safety.
The Peace Officers Research Association of California has launched a fundraising campaign to support the families of the fallen officers. Those who wish to donate can visit porac.org/fundraiser/el-monte-police-officers/.
Both officers, Paredes and Santana, were raised in El Monte despite residing in Upland. Paredes served as an EMPD cadet before becoming a full-time police officer. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son. Santana worked for the city’s Public Works Department and later as a San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy before joining the El Monte Police Department. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and twin sons.
Funeral arrangements are still pending.
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