Law Firm Gunman and Victims Identified in Deadly Workplace Shooting

On Friday just after 2:25 p.m., LBPD officers responded to a shooting that was reported to have occurred at a business in the 300 block of E. San Antonio Drive, which resulted in the death of two male adults, and the injuring of a third.

Officers arrived at the scene, and based on the circumstances, immediately formed an Emergency Action Team (EAT) to enter the building and search for the suspect. Once inside, officers located a deceased male subject with a gunshot wound to the upper body. A second deceased male subject, who had been struck by gunfire, was also located.

Officers also learned that a third male subject had been struck by gunfire, and had been transported to a local hospital by a third party prior to police arriving.

The preliminary investigation determined that this was a workplace violence incident that occurred at the law firm, and all parties involved worked at this office. It was further determined that 58-year-old John Alexander Mendoza of Redondo Beach, shot the two male victims, before shooting himself. A gun was recovered at the scene.

One victim, identified as 75-year-old Major Langer of Rolling Hills, who had been struck in the torso by gunfire, was determined deceased at the scene by Long Beach Fire Department paramedics.

The second victim, identified as 64-year-old Ron Beck, was struck in the torso and lower body and remains hospitalized in stable condition. Beck seen in TV commercials with attorney Larry H Parker, is expected to survive.

Several employees were in the office at the time of the shooting, however, no other injuries were reported. A motive for the shooting remains under investigation, Sgt. Brad Johnson said.

Langer was well-known in legal circles, having practiced law for 51 years and tried 75 civil and criminal cases to verdict, the firm’s website said. He handled Weber vs. the city of Rolling Hills, a 14-month trial that is believed to be the longest trial in the history of California, represented actress Pamela Anderson in a breach of contract lawsuit and won numerous six- to seven-figure verdicts.

Langer earned his law degree at St. John’s University Law School and was admitted to the New York bar in 1966, and the California bar in 1967. He handled include personal injury, workers’ compensation and construction litigation and insurance.

Beck has only practiced law with PLBSMH and was named partner at the firm in 1983. As the managing partner of the firm, he handles the day-to-day operations as well as trying cases, according to the firm’s website. On the Larry H. Parker website, Beck is listed as managing partner.

The shooting apparently occurred as workers were enjoying an annual holiday.