A 20-year-old man accused of a seemingly unprovoked fatal shooting last month of a 13-year-old boy at a Pico Rivera gas station pleaded not guilty in Norwalk Superior Court on Monday, Sept. 29, through his attorney to murder and to carrying a loaded firearm in public under specific circumstances.

Sporting a yellow jail jumpsuit, Andres Adan Chavez said one word during his arraignment hearing, a simple “Yes” after Judge Debra Cole-Hall asked if he would be willing to waive his right to a speedy trial.

As he was led out of the courtroom, Chavez waved to family members.

Chavez is accused of fatally shooting Saith Mendez of Costa Mesa, who was at the 76 gas station in the 8800 block of Whittier Boulevard while his mother worked inside, about 11:45 p.m. on Aug. 23.

The boy was waiting in hi

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