News / Updated From Live Coverage With On-Demand Video
LBPD Arrests Two 16-Yr Old Male Suspects -- One From LB, One From Bellflower -- In Murder of Wilson High School's Melody Ross & Attempted Murder of 18 & 20 Yr Old Males
Team Coverage by Publisher Bill Pearl
And Senior Editor Sharon Katchen
(Nov. 4, 2009) -- At an evening news conference covered live by LBReport.com with front page updating text, LBPD Interim Chief Billy Quach and Deputy Police Chief (Investigation Bureau) Bill Blair announced the arrest of two suspects in the Oct. 30 shooting death of Wilson High School student Melody Ross and the attempted murder (wounding) of two males ages 18 and 20.
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The two suspects are a 16 yr old LB male, and a 16 yr old Bellflower male (no further ID due to their ages).
LBReport.com, which provided live coverage of the event as it happened, also provides extended video coverage on-demand below.
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Familymembers were present at the event, observing the proceedings fro a section set for them.
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Blitz text below reported using wireless link by LBReport.com Senior Editor Sharon Katchen.
Acting Chief of Police Bill Quach says over the last five days, LB detectives have worked around the clock to identify the murder suspect. He thanks community for support and assistance...
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Vice Mayor Val Lerch thanks the police department for its work...thanks the detectives for their hard work...
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Councilmember Gary DeLong says he never had a doubt the LBPD would find the suspect, and it will help the Ross family find closure...Says it's time for leadership of LB to tell criminals they are not wanted in LB and the city will make their life difficult.
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LBUSD Superintendent Chris Steinhauser thanks LBPD, gives contact information for LB Education Foundation to help family.
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Deputy Chief Bill Blair, head of investigations, says two groups of rival gang members, in a dispute over turf, were in the crowd and responsible for the shots. Says only six witnesses came forward Friday night. More witnesses came forward Monday. He says both suspects are juveniles...a 16-year-old Long Beach male and a 16-year-old Bellflower male. Blair says the LA DA's office could determine charges as early as tomorrow. Blair asks that more witnesses come forward...case continues to evolve.
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Blair says witness accounts, parents and students, helped make the connection. Says it does not appear either teen attended Wilson or Poly high schools. Says they are both local LB street gang members. He says the rival gangs were at the game Friday night and noticed each other, leading to the confrontation.
Blair says more details will be released at a later time...the case is still evolving. End of police news conference.
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A spokesman for relatives of Melody Ross issues family statement: expresses gratitude to the friends, relatives who supported them. Also mayor and chief of police...city council members...school district. Express gratitude to LB community for its support...moral and financial. Family asks for privacy as they grieve their loss.
LBPD says in a release. "Homicide Detectives are seeking more outstanding suspects and are asking for any additional witnesses to come forward. If you can help us with this case, please contact Detectives Scott Lasch and Malcolm Evans at (562) 570-7244.
