562.570.5273
LBPDPIO@longbeach.gov
UPDATE 6/26/2024
Homicide detectives have identified and arrested the suspect responsible for the June 23, 2024 murder of Juan Morales, a 59-year-old person experiencing homelessness out of Wilmington.
Through their investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Juan Manuel Morales Jr (the victim’s son), a 35-year-old resident of Pomona. Detectives began working to locate the suspect.
On June 25, 2024 officers responded to the 1900 block of Artesia Boulevard regarding an unwelcome person at a business. Upon arrival, officers located victim Morales’ vehicle, and recognized it as a vehicle involved in a murder investigation. Officers identified the unwelcome person inside the business as suspect Morales Jr. Suspect Morales refused to exit the building. Officers attempted to deescalate the situation, but the suspect remained uncooperative. After refusing to comply with officers’ commands, officers deployed pepper spray and 40mm less-lethal rounds which were unsuccessful. Officers subsequently used a conducted electrical weapon and were able to take the suspect into custody.
The suspect was medically cleared for booking at a local hospital before being transported to the Long Beach City Jail. The suspect was booked for murder and two outstanding warrants. His bail was set at $2,350,000.
The motive for the murder is under investigation.
Detectives will present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Ethan Shear or Chasen Contreras 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 6/24/2024
Homicide detectives are investigating the murder of a male adult.
On June 23, 2024 at approximately 9:26 a.m., officers responded to Santa Fe Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway regarding a carjacking call. Upon arrival, officers contacted a male adult victim with injuries to the upper and lower body, in critical condition. Long Beach Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle prior to officers' arrival.
Homicide detectives responded to the scene to investigate the incident. The preliminary investigation revealed the victim and suspect were involved in a dispute, that escalated when the suspect struck the victim with a vehicle. The motive and circumstances of the incident are still under investigation.
At this time, the victim is only being identified as a 59-year-old male. The Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner will work to identify the victim and notify the next of kin.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Ethan Shear or Chasen Contreras 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