Police investigate shooting of 2 minors, one fatal

On Tuesday, at approximately 11:32 p.m., Long Beach police officers were dispatched to the 2200 block of Lewis Avenue regarding a hit shooting, which resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy and injuries to a 14-year-old girl.

Upon arrival, officers contacted three victims, a 12-year-old male victim with a life-threatening gunshot wound to the upper body, a 14-year-old female victim with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the lower body, and an uninjured 13-year-old female victim. Both victims were transported to local hospitals by Long Beach Fire Department personnel. The 12-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The 14-year-old girl was treated for a non-life-threatening injury.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene and initiated an investigation. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were walking on the sidewalk when they were approached by the suspect vehicle, containing at least two male suspects. An unknown number of suspects shot at the victims.

“The shooting that took place last night is devastating. A young boy’s life has been cut short due to an intolerable act of gun violence”, said Chief Wally Hebeish. “While we mourn this loss as a community, our officers will not stop working to locate and arrest those responsible for this tragedy.” said Mayor Rex Richardson.

Last night, a child’s life was cut too short by a senseless act of gun violence. As a father, I am heartbroken.

We need our children to feel safe in our city. We must never accept this as normal. We must protect and prioritize our youth.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Eric Gregory Brown III, the young victim whose life was cut short, and to the 14-year-old girl who was hospitalized.

We recognize that violence affects the health and well being of those directly affected as well as the surrounding community.

The Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services (LBDHHS) has compiled a list of trauma-informed care resources if you, a family member, or someone you know is in need. You can find them here: https://longbeach.gov/press-releases/official-city-of-long-beach-statement-regarding-the-shooting-of-two-children-in-long-beach/

The decedent has been identified as 12-year-old Eric Gregory Brown III of Long Beach.

We urge anyone with information to contact Homicide Detectives Michael Hubbard or Jesus Espinoza 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.