Long Beach Police Arrest Homeless Man in Fatal Shooting of Homeless Man

Long Beach homicide detectives have arrested a suspect in connection with the Aug. 28, 2025, fatal shooting of a 50-year-old homeless man in downtown Long Beach.

Through their investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 49-year-old Billy Zepeda, who is also homeless. On Sept. 2, 2025, officers located Zepeda near Baltic Avenue and Willow Street and took him into custody. During the arrest, detectives recovered a firearm in his possession.

Zepeda was booked on suspicion of murder, ex-felon in possession of a firearm, and ex-felon in possession of ammunition. His bail was set at $2 million. Detectives plan to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office later this week for filing consideration. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner.

Original incident

The shooting occurred around 4:23 p.m. on Aug. 28 in the 200 block of West Broadway, near Lincoln Park. Responding officers found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital by Long Beach Fire Department personnel, where he later died.

The initial investigation revealed the suspect approached the victim, shot him, and fled the scene.