LBPD Release Sketch of Gunman Who Murdered A Grandfather in Park

The Long Beach Police Department is once again asking for the public’s help with information regarding the July 21, 2018 murder of Fred Taft, which occurred at Pan American Park in Long Beach, and a composite sketch of the suspect is now being released.

Additionally, on November 27, 2018, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors extended their $10,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and/or conviction of the person(s) responsible for Mr. Taft’s murder, and the Long Beach City Council’s $20,000 reward is also still in place.

Detectives are hoping someone may recognize the individual in this sketch and come forward with information.

Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Michael Hubbard and Adrian Garcia at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to your smart phone (available at the Apple App store and Google Play), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.

 

UPDATE ISSUED ON 9/4/18:

The LA County Board of Supervisors ($10,000), and the Long Beach City Council ($20,000), have jointly issued a $30,000 reward for information leading to the apprehesion of the person(s) responsible for the murder of 57-year-old Fred Taft. On 7/21/18 at approx. 4:26 p.m., Fred Taft was shot and killed while in a restroom at Pan American Park in Long Beach by an unknown male suspect, who then fled the park on foot.

Detectives strongly urge anyone with information regarding this murder to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Michael Hubbard and Adrian Garcia at (562) 570-7244.

 

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE ISSUED ON 8/16/18:

L.B.P.D. SEEKS PUBLIC’S HELP IN SOLVING MURDER

VICTIM FRED TAFT

The Long Beach Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect or suspects responsible for the tragic murder of Fred Taft. We are asking anyone with information about this crime to please come forward.

On July 21, 2018, at approximately 4:26 p.m., Fred Taft was in a restroom at Pan American Park when he was shot and killed by a male adult suspect. After the shooting, the suspect fled the park on foot. The only description of the suspect thus far, is a male White adult in his 50’s, 6′ tall, medium build, and was possibly wearing dark shirt, light shorts, and a hat.

This murder took place at a time when numerous people were in the surrounding area of the park. Detectives believe there are individuals who might have information regarding this incident but have yet to come forward. Although this appears to be an isolated incident, the motive for the murder has not been determined and remains under investigation.

Solving this murder and ensuring public safety is of paramount importance to the police department. Efforts to identify the suspect and ensure the safety of our community will continue through increased patrols in and around the area of Pan American park. As with all investigations, the police department will continue to evaluate and assess other crimes that could be related to this murder.

Detectives strongly urge anyone with information regarding this murder to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives Michael Hubbard and Adrian Garcia at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to your smart phone (available at the Apple App Store and Google Play), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.