Statement by Councilman Gary DeLong
November 2, 2009
On Friday, October 30th at approximately 10:00pm the Long Beach community experienced a tragedy. Innocent bystander Melody Ross, an honors student at Wilson Classical High School, was killed by an act of violence.
As the community grieves for this loss, Long Beach police officers are working around the clock to identify and apprehend the criminal behind this tragedy. Long Beach is fortunate to have an outstanding Police Department and I am convinced they will find and arrest the person who committed this crime.
Over the last several days, many residents have contacted me asking how they can help. One way to help is to assist the family with the costs associated with the funeral. Mayor Bob Foster, LA County Supervisor Don Knabe and I have already personally contributed to a fund for the family that was set up earlier today by the Long Beach Unified School District.
Contributions should be sent to:
Long Beach Education Foundation
Melody Ross Memorial Trust Account (I.D# 33-0357679)
c/o Judy Seal
1515 Hughes Way
Long Beach, CA 90810
As one Wilson Mom said "I urge every parent whose child is home safe tonight to send a check, this is our community and her family needs our prayers and our support."
Thank you for your consideration.
Mayor Bob Foster
[release text]
Mayor Bob Foster asks members of the Long Beach community to help the family of Melody Ross, the Wilson High School student who was shot to death last Friday. Monetary donations are being accepted to help the family with the funeral costs.
"We are doing anything we can do to help ease the family's pain," said Foster. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ross family."
Also helping with the fundraising efforts are State Senator Alan Lowenthal, Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, and Long Beach Councilmember Gary DeLong.
Donations for the Ross family should be made out to:
Long Beach Education Foundation
Melody Ross Memorial Trust Account (I.D. #33-0357679)
Checks should be mailed to:
Long Beach Education Foundation
c/o Judy Seal
1515 Hughes Way
Long Beach, CA 90810
Supervisor Don Knabe
[release text]
November 2, 2009 -- The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider a $10,000 reward tomorrow, at the request of Supervisor Don Knabe, for information related to the shooting death of 16-year old, Wilson High School student, Melody Ross.
On October 30, 2009, at approximately 10:00 p.m. an unidentified shooter fired into a group outside of Wilson High School following the homecoming football game on Friday night. In addition to hitting Ross, two other men, ages 18 and 20, were wounded in the gunfire. Ross was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital, but succumbed to her injuries at 10:30 p.m.
Long Beach detectives are currently investigating the incident, and believe it would be beneficial to offer a reward in the case, which may prompt reluctant witnesses to come forward and provide information to identify the individual(s) responsible for this crime.
"It is important for the County of Los Angeles to display an unwavering stance against random acts of violence," said Supervisor Knabe. "In order to bring this suspect to justice, and demonstrate our intolerance to such heinous crimes, I believe this reward should be established, hoping someone will come forward so that we can bring this suspect to justice."
Anyone having any information related to this accident is asked to contact the Long Beach Police Department’s Homicide Division at (562) 570-7244. The identity of all callers will remain confidential.
