LBPD also issued a release stating that "after multiple interviews and evaluation of the evidence, the preliminary investigation has led investigators to believe the fire was not set to draw first responders to the location to ambush them, but was a result of a dispute between the suspect and a neighbor. Additionally, a note drafted by the suspect and recovered at the scene leads investigators to believe this was a murder/suicide attempt." A motive for the shooting remains under investigation, LBPD says.

In a release this afternoon, the L.A. County District Attorney's Office says it has charged Thomas Man Kim, 77, a resident of a downtown LB (600 E. 4th St., East Village) retirement residential highrise, with the murder of LBFD Captain Dave Rosa, the wounding of a second LBFD Firefighter and a building resident after Kim allegedly set off an explosive device and ignited a fire at a building.

A DA's office release indicates prosecutors say Kim "allegedly had been feuding with a woman who lived above him and set off an explosive device on June 25 in his apartment with the intent to kill her...After the explosion in his apartment, the defendant reportedly sat at the opposite end of hallway from his apartment when Long Beach fire Capt. Dave Rosa made his way down the hall...Kim allegedly opened fire on Rosa, killing him, and then fired and wounded firefighter Ernesto Torres and another man who lived in the building..."

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The DA's office has charged Kim (case NA109565) with one count of murder, one count of attempted murder of a firefighter, two counts of attempted murder and one count each of arson of an inhabited structure and explosion with intent to murder. Kim also faces a special circumstance allegation that the murder was committed while a firefighter was on duty and the special allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a handgun that caused great bodily injury and death.

If convicted on the charges alleged, Kim faces the death penalty or life in state prison without the possibility of parole. A decision on whether to seek capital punishment will be made later in the proceedings.) LBPD is continuing its investigation of the case.

LBFD Captain Rosa. a LB Firefighter for 17 years, a Captain for six and half years, leaves a wife and two children.

At a press briefing yesterday, LBPD Chief Robert Luna made an eloquent and stark comment: "That's the environment we work in today, as law enforcement and firefighters. You go to these scenes and you never know what's on the other side of those doors. And these brave firefighters went through those doors and unfortunately they were met with gunfire."

LBREPORT.com provides a link to the following website linked on the City of LB's front page to make a dontaion to Capt. Rosa Family Fund (via Friends of Long Beach Firefighters

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