(Sept. 5, 2006) -- Two separate gang related killings -- one just west of downtown, a second near the NLB library where where Mayor Foster and city management unveiled their newly proposed budget -- took place in a four-hour period overnight on Sept. 4-5.

In written releases, LBPD says that at about 10:40 p.m. on Sept. 4, officers responded to the area of Virginia Court and Melrose Place (east of Magnolia Ave, north of 4th St.) and found a male victim in an alley with multiple stab wounds.

"The preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was engaged in a verbal argument with the suspect. The argument escalated into a stabbing. The victim received multiple stab wounds to the upper torso. He was transported to a local area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries," LBPD says.

The victim was identified as Randolfo Gutierrez, 19, of Long Beach. The suspect has only been described as a male Hispanic.

Police say the motive for the killing isn't known but is believed to be gang related and is still under investigation (contact info below if you have info to offer LBPD).

Less than four hours later at 2:20 a.m. on September 5, officers responded to the 1200 block of east Washington Street (area Orange Ave. just north of Market St.) and found a male shooting victim.

"The preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was talking with another male while standing in front of a residence. A car pulled up and someone from the car shot the victim. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of his family. He is described as a 29 year-old Hispanic male. At this time, there is no suspect information."

The motive for this shooting is also unknown and is likewise believed to be gang related.

Anyone with information about either crime is asked to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Daniel Mendoza or Robert Gonzales at (562) 570-7244.