Two Separate Fatal Shootings, Over Night in Long Beach

Two unrelated shootings took place in Long Beach the night of June 24, 2021, into the morning of the 25. Rafael Araiza, a 22-year-old Long Beach resident, as well as a 31-year-old unhoused resident, both suffered fatal gunshot wounds over the course of the night. 

At approximately 10:42 p.m., Long Beach Police officers arrived at 15th Street and Cedar Avenue, the scene of the shooting, along with Long Beach Fire Department personnel to then find Rafael Araiza deceased.

Officers located the victim in their vehicle in the 1400 block of Cedar Avenue, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso. After performing life saving measures, fire personnel determined the victim deceased at the scene.

The preliminary investigation suggests an unknown suspect approached the victim as they sat in their vehicle to then proceed to fire at the victim. Homicide detectives responded to then canvas the scene for witnesses and evidence. While the motive is not yet known, the case is currently being investigated as gang-related.

Later that night, at 3:04 a.m., officers arrived at the intersection of 9th Street and Daisy Avenue, to the scene of a second shooting which resulted in the death of a 31 year-old victim whose identity is currently being withheld pending the notification to next of kin.

The victim was reportedly a part of the unhoused population in Long Beach.

Upon arrival, officers located the victim on the sidewalk near the intersection, suffering from gunshot wounds to their upper and lower torso. Long Beach Fire Department personnel later determined the victim deceased at the scene.

The motive for the shooting remains under investigation by LBPD Homicide detectives. There is currently no suspect information.

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