Suspect Dead following East Willow Street Assault Incident

LONG BEACH, CA – On Nov. 2, 2022, at approximately 10:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 7400 block of East Willow Street regarding an assault that resulted in the death of a male adult, which is being investigated as a justifiable homicide.

Prior to officers’ arrival, the calling party informed dispatchers that a male adult suspect had assaulted a male adult victim, the calling party’s son.

Upon arrival, officers located the suspect, who was unconscious, in a homeless encampment. Officers rendered medical aid and attempted life saving measures until being relieved by Long Beach Fire Department personnel who determined the suspect deceased at the scene.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene to further the investigation. The preliminary investigation revealed the suspect confronted the victim and unexpectedly attacked him with a metallic cable. During the attack, the calling party came to the aid of the victim and helped him subdue the suspect in an effort to stop the attack.

The calling party sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by Fire Department personnel. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his upper body and was transported to a local hospital. The victim and calling party were interviewed and cooperated with the investigation.

While the motive for the incident remains under investigation, detectives believe the involved parties were known to each other. Detectives are working to determine the manner of the suspect’s death.

The decedent is only being identified as a 48-year-old resident of the City of Murrieta pending next of kin notification which will be conducted by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Sean Magee or Juan Carlos Reyes 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.