Matthew Hirsch, a 40-year-old resident of Brea, California, tragically lost his life on July 11, 2022, during a violent crime spree that targeted multiple 7-Eleven stores across Southern California. Hirsch was working as a store clerk at the 7-Eleven on Lambert Road and North Brea Boulevard when he was fatally shot during an armed robbery. The incident occurred around 4:18 a.m., and Hirsch was pronounced dead at the scene.
This senseless act of violence left his family, friends, and community in shock and mourning.
The crime spree that claimed Hirsch's life was part of a series of coordinated robberies at several 7-Eleven locations. The suspect, who was later identified, was involved in at least five other robberies that night. The first robbery took place just after midnight in Ontario, followed by another in Upland. While no one was injured in these initial incidents, the violence escalated as the night progressed. In Riverside, a customer was shot in the head and left in grave condition. Shortly after, another victim, Matthew Rule, was fatally shot outside a 7-Eleven in Santa Ana. The suspect continued his rampage, ultimately ending Hirsch's life in Brea before moving on to La Habra, where two more individuals were shot but survived.
The investigation into these heinous crimes led to the arrest of two suspects, Malik Patt and Jason Payne, both from Los Angeles. Authorities from multiple counties worked together to apprehend the suspects, who were believed to be responsible for the string of robberies and shootings. The arrests brought some measure of relief to the affected communities, but the senseless loss of life, including that of Matthew Hirsch, left a lasting impact.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Hirsch's family and friends gathered to honor his memory. Vigils were held, and a GoFundMe page was established to support his family. Hirsch was remembered as a kind and caring individual who had recently turned his life around after overcoming personal struggles. His untimely death highlighted the devastating consequences of gun violence and the urgent need for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
