Bever offers sympathies to family of deceased teen

Costa Mesa Mayor Eric Bever this week extended his condolences to the family of a 17-year-old boy fatally injured during a fight in the El Metate Market parking lot Saturday night, and he praised police for their swift apprehension of a suspect.

Javier Paz was killed during what authorities characterized as a gang-related incident.

Scott Santana, 23, was arrested and charged with his murder.

“I offer my deepest sympathy to the family in their grief,” Bever said in a news release. “The loss of a child is devastating.”

“While any incident of this nature is of great concern, I am pleased to note that crime is down in Costa Mesa. I have great confidence in the Costa Mesa Police Department and the ability of our officers to act promptly and effectively,” he concluded.

— Chris Caesar