Detectives Arrest Five Suspects involved with April 2021 Murder Investigation

LONG BEACH, CA – On Aug. 31, 2022, the Long Beach Police Department began a multi-day operation leading to the arrests of three individuals in connection to Apr. 26, 2021, murder investigation of Christopher Cordova, a 27-year-old resident of the City of South Gate.

Over the past several months, detectives assigned to the Homicide Detail, and the Special Investigations Division have been conducting a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, and following up on investigative leads. Through their investigation, Homicide detectives identified and arrested the following individuals for their involvement in the murder:

  • Christopher Deckard, a 37-year-old resident of the City of Arcadia, was already in custody for an unrelated incident and was charged with one count of murder. Bail was set at $2,000,000.
  • Richard Granados, a 38-year-old resident of the City of Norwalk, was already in custody for an unrelated incident and was charged with one count of murder. Bail was set at $2,000,000.
  • Miguel Gallardo, a 29-year-old resident of the City of Lynwood, was arrested on Sept. 1, 2022, in the City of Los Angeles, and was booked for one count of murder. Bail was set at $2,000,00.
  • Yessica Hernandez, a 33-year-old resident of the City of Anaheim, was arrested on Sept. 1, 2022, in the City of Los Angeles and was booked for one count of accessory to murder. Bail was set at $1,000,000.
  • Tatiana Pinon, a 24-year-old resident of the City of Norwalk, was arrested on Sept. 13, 2022, in Norwalk and was booked for one count of accessory to murder. Bail was set at $1,000,000.

While the investigation remains active and ongoing, at this time detectives believe the motive to be 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 Donald Collier or Leticia Gamboa 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.

Original Published on 4/26/2021:
On April 26, 2021 at approximately 9:55 a.m., officers from the Long Beach Police Department responded to assist the Long Beach Harbor Patrol, who were on scene with a deceased person found floating in the water near the 1100 Block of Pier F of the Long Beach Harbor.

The preliminary investigation revealed the decomposing body was located floating near the water’s edge. The decedent sustained an injury to their upper torso, and, at this time, the cause of the injury is not known.

Due to the suspicious circumstances involved, homicide detectives responded to the scene, and the case is being investigated as a murder.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, took possession of the body, and will work to determine the cause of death, identify the victim, and notify the next of kin.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Homicide Detective Eric Thai 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.