LBPD Confirms: Pan Am Park Murder Suspect Is White Man In His '50s But Says Detectives Haven't Found Evidence of Hate Crime Although Evidence Is Still Being Collected And Analyzed

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LBPD Confirms: Pan Am Park Murder Suspect Is White Man In His '50s; But Says Detectives Haven't Found Evidence of Hate Crime Although Evidence Is Still Being Collected And Analyzed

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(July 24, 2018, 10:51 a.m.) -- LBPD this morning (July 24) confirmed to LBREPORT.com that its suspect in the July 21 murder of Fred Taft at Pan American Park is a white man in his 50's.

LBPD told LATimes.com yesterday, and PIO Arantxa Chavarria confirmed to LBREPORT.com today, that Detectives hadn't uncovered any evidence of a hate crime, adding that "evidence is still being collected and analyzed" and urged witnesses to contact detectives with any information at (562) 570-7244.

Relatives and friends of Mr. Taft, who were in the park with him attending a group event, had consistently said they saw a white man leave the shooting scene. A number of those present that day, and thereafter on social networks, voiced the view that the killing was racially motivated.

In a July 21 release (just hours after the murder), LBPD said it didn't have a motive for the crime...and has said nothing else publicly about what the possible motive(s) might be.

Last night (July 23), family and friends of Mr. Taft gathered at Pan American Park to hold a vigil, lighting votive candles with heartfelt messages outside the restroom where someone shot and mortally wounded him.

[Scroll down for further.]

Previous LBREPORT.com coverage:

On Memorial Day 2010,Two People Were Shot/Wounded At An Annual Event In Pan Am Park

LBREPORT.com asks LBPD (response pending) if it knows of any relationship between 2010 and 2018 events

June 2010: Then-LBPD Chief McDonnell and then-Councilwoman Schipske held public meeting; see/hear archival coverage

July 2018: LB Parks/Rec tells us it has no record of permit issued to any person(s)/entity for July 21 Pan Am Park event

Coroner Identifies Man Murdered At Pan Am Park As A LB Resident

Man Is Shot To Death At Afternoon Group Event At Pan Am Park (Old Lakewood Village, 5th dist.)

Further to follow.

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