562.570.5273
LBPDPIO@longbeach.gov
Updated on 2/6/2026:
Homicide detectives have made two arrests related to the Jan. 12, 2026 murder of 32-year-old Steven Vejar.
Through their investigation, Homicide detectives identified Josh Porras, a 50-year-old resident of Long Beach, and Maria Gomez Gallegos, a 41-year-old resident of Long Beach, as the suspects responsible for the murder. On Feb. 5, 2026, Special Investigations Division detectives located and arrested Porras and Gallegos in the 5500 block of Linden Avenue. Porras was booked for murder, and bail was set at $2,000,000. Gallegos was also booked for murder, and bail was set at $2,000,000.
The motive and circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.
The victim was identified as Steven Vejar, a 32-year-old person experiencing homelessness.
Detectives will present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office for filing consideration next week.
The LBPD would like to thank the community for their assistance in the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Juan Carlos Reyes or Lisette Temblador 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.
Originally published on 1/13/2026:
Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a male adult that occurred on Jan. 12, 2026 near the Union Pacific Railroad and East Artesia Boulevard.
At 7:28 p.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 2300 block of East Artesia Boulevard. It was later determined the incident occurred in the area of the Union Pacific Railroad and East Artesia Boulevard.
Upon arrival, officers located a male adult victim with a gunshot wound. Long Beach Fire Department personnel transported the victim to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect fled the scene prior to officers' arrival.
Homicide detectives responded to the scene. The motive and the circumstances of the incident are under investigation.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending the next of kin notification by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Juan Carlos Reyes or Lisette Temblador 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.