[LBPD release text] Updated Release 10/31/19 at 3:30 p.m.:
The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office has identified the deceased victims in the October 29th murder investigation from the 2700 block of East 7th Street. The victims have been identified as:
Maurice Poe Jr., a 25-year-old resident of the City of Long Beach
Melvin Williams II, a 35-year-old resident of the City of Gardena
Ricardo Torres, a 28-year-old resident of the City of Inglewood
Homicide Detectives are still actively investigating the shooting and urge anyone who may have information that could further the investigation to immediately contact the Long Beach Police Department Homicide Detail Detectives Mark Mattia or Donald Collier at (562) 570-7244.
Original Release 10/30/19 at 2:00 p.m.:
On October 29, 2019 at approximately 10:45 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 2700 block of East 7th Street regarding reports of a shooting, which resulted in the death of three male adults and an additional nine victims injured.
Within one minute of receiving the call, officers arrived on scene, observed a group of approximately 25 to 30 male and female adults at the residence, and immediately directed them to assist one another to safety. The Long Beach Fire Department arrived and began rendering aid to the victims. Nine victims -- seven female adults and two male adults -- were transported to local hospitals with various gunshot wounds. Three male adult victims were also located and determined deceased at the scene by Long Beach Fire personnel.
The transported victims’ ages and cities of residence are as follows:
20-year-old female resident of the City of Anaheim
27-year-old female resident of the City of Hawthorne
27-year-old male resident of the City of Cudahy
28-year-old female resident of the City of Los Angeles
28-year-old female resident of the City of Gardena
29-year-old male resident of the City of Hawthorne
30-year-old female resident of the City of Compton
32-year-old female resident of the City of Lawndale
49-year-old female resident of the City of Los Angeles
The preliminary investigation revealed the group was attending a party at the residence when an unknown suspect(s) opened fire on the group from an alley located behind the residence, striking the 12 victims.
The preliminary description of the suspect is a male of an unknown race wearing dark-colored clothing with his face concealed. The suspect is believed to have fled in a dark-colored vehicle immediately after the shooting occurred.
The deceased victims will be identified by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, who will also be providing notifications to next of kin.
"This is a tragic incident that is not at all reflective of our community," said Long Beach Police Department Chief of Police Robert Luna. "We are committed to working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and provide the victims with the services they need."
Nearly 100 Department employees and volunteers responded to assist in working the crime scene, securing the perimeter, and providing support operations. Officers and detectives immediately began canvassing the neighborhood to identify possible witnesses and to seek out surveillance footage that may be in the area. Additional patrols have also been added to the impacted area as a result of this incident.
Homicide Detectives are continuing to work diligently to gather additional information and determine a motive for the shooting. At this stage of the investigation, detectives do not believe this was a random act of violence, nor is there any indication that this incident is gang-related.
The Long Beach Police Department is seeking the public’s help in gathering additional information regarding this incident to further the ongoing investigation. We urge anyone who may have information regarding this incident to immediately contact the Long Beach Police Department Homicide Detail Detectives Mark Mattia or Donald Collier at (562) 570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.
