LBPD Announces It's "Seeking The Public's Assiatnce" In Identifying Suspect(s) In Fred Taft's Murder, Says Detectives Believe Individuals Who Might Have Information Have Yet To Come Forward
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(Aug. 16, 2018, 4:15 p.m.) -- Twenty-six days after Fred Taft, an African-American LB resident attending a large family gathering in ELB's Pan American Park, was shot to death in a park restroom, LBPD issued a release that says LBPD attaches "paramount importance" to solving the crime and "is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect or suspects responsible for the tragic murder of Fred Taft." The release adds, "We are asking anyone with information about this crime to please come forward."
LBPD's release said "Detectives believe there are individuals who might have information regarding this incident but have yet to come forward" and reiterated, "Although this appears to be an isolated incident, the motive for the murder has not been determined and remains under investigation."
Some family members and supporters have disagreed, saying they believe the murder was racially motivated (a hate crime.)
LBPD's release offers a slightly more detailed description of the suspect: a white Male in his 50's, 6' tall, medium build, and at the time was possibly wearing dark shirt, light shorts, and a hat.
LBPD released photo
[Scroll down for further.]
LBPD's release states:
[LBPD Aug. 16 release text]
On July 21, 2018, at approximately 4:26 p.m., Fred Taft was in a restroom at Pan American Park when he was shot and killed by a male adult suspect. After the shooting, the suspect fled the park on foot. The only description of the suspect thus far, is a male White adult in his 50's, 6' tall, medium build, and was possibly wearing dark shirt, light shorts, and a hat.
This murder took place at a time when numerous people were in the surrounding area of the park. Detectives believe there are individuals who might have information regarding this incident but have yet to come forward. Although this appears to be an isolated incident, the motive for the murder has not been determined and remains under investigation.
Solving this murder and ensuring public safety is of paramount importance to the police department. Efforts to identify the suspect and ensure the safety of our community will continue through increased patrols in and around the area of Pan American park. As with all investigations, the police department will continue to evaluate and assess other crimes that could be related to this murder.
Detectives strongly urge anyone with information regarding this murder to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives Michael Hubbard and Adrian Garcia at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to your smart phone (available at the Apple App Store and Google Play), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.
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Related LBREPORT.com coverage:
>A Week After Fred Taft's Murder In ELB's Pan Am Park (Extended VIDEO coverage)...
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