(April 2, 2010) -- At early evening Friday (April 2), LBPD requested LBReport.com's assistance in reporting the following:

[begin LBPD text]

The Long Beach Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for the October 26, 2009 murder of 23-year-old Esaul Villagrana of Long Beach. [Mr. Villagrana in photo, right; LBPD released photo]

Victim Villagrana was driving with his pregnant wife in the area 20th Street and Cedar Avenue, planning to meet a relative nearby for dinner.

However, when Victim Villagrana stepped out of the car, a male Hispanic standing near-by shot him.  The suspect also fired into the car nearly striking Victim Villagrana's pregnant wife who was still inside the car. Villagrana's wife did not see the suspect(s) and could not provide detectives with any information to help us solve the crime.

Based on information received just after the crime occurred, detectives believe this crime is gang-related.  Victim Villagrana was from a Los Angeles based gang and according to family members, had distanced himself from gang activities since relocating to Long Beach.  He was working hard to reform his life and was looking forward to raising his unborn child away from the gang life he had been involved with.

In response to media coverage in the days following the murder, an anonymous caller provided valuable information to homicide detectives.  The caller demonstrated knowledge of the murder and provided detectives with specific information to validate the caller witnessed the crime.  The caller further indicated that they could identify the suspect(s) in this case.  Detectives have not heard from the caller recently and need additional information to identify the suspect(s) involved, and bring them to justice.

Detectives are asking the original caller or anyone else with information to please call the Long Beach Police Department’s Homicide Detail at (562) 570-7244. [end LBPD text]