Home robbery shooting leaves two dead in Long Beach

On Saturday at 5:00 p.m., Long Beach officers were dispatched to the 3700 block of E. Esther Street regarding a shooting that resulted in the death of two males. 

The calling party, a resident, stated that approximately six suspects forced their way into his residence and were attempting to rob him when he shot at them. 

Upon arrival, officers located two black male suspects suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper torso. Officers immediately began performing life-saving measures and requested medical aid. Long Beach Fire Department personnel responded and determined them both deceased at the scene. At this time, they are only being identified as black males of an unknown age, pending identification and notification to next of kin by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office. 

Through their preliminary investigation, detectives learned the suspect(s) arrived at the residence unannounced and forced their way inside the residence. During the altercation, a male white adult discharged a firearm at the suspect(s), striking two of them. One male decedent was located inside the residence, and the other was located on the front walkway of the residence. All other suspects fled the scene either on-foot or possibly in a vehicle. 

The residents involved have been cooperating with the investigation, which remains ongoing. At this time, the investigation to determine if the residents were a victim of the crime is underway, and their identities are not yet being released.

Detectives served a search warrant on the residence and seized large quantities of marijuana, firearms, and cash. Detectives will continue to work to determine responsibility for any other crimes that might be related to this incident and will present any findings to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office for filing consideration. 

At this time, there is no indication that the resident is known to the suspects. The motive for the incident is currently under investigation; however, detectives believe there is gang involvement. 

Anyone with any information regarding the incident is urged to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Michael Hubbard and Ethan Shear 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.