Long Beach Police Department

Communications Division
400 W. Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-5273
1/22/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release # 26.007.1
Subject:
*UPDATE* MURDER INVESTIGATION ARRESTS – 1600 BLOCK OF PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY
Contact:
Communications Division
562-570-5273
LBPDPIO@longbeach.gov





Updated 01/22/26:
Homicide detectives have made arrests regarding the Jan. 18, 2026, murder of David Alfaro.

Through their investigation, Homicide detectives identified the following suspects:

  • Maliek Dontell James-Morrow, a 29-year-old resident from Long Beach. On Jan. 20, 2026, Special Investigations Division detectives located and arrested James-Morrow in the 1600 Block of Anaheim Street in Long Beach. He was booked for murder. Bail was set at $2,000,000.
  • Buon Henry Um, a 29-year-old resident from Long Beach. On Jan. 21, 2026, Special Investigations Division detectives located and arrested Um in the 2000 Block of Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach. He was booked for murder. Bail was set at $2,000,000.

During the investigation, detectives determined the incident began as a dispute that escalated to a murder.

The victim was identified as David Alfaro, a 33-year-old resident from Long Beach.

Detectives presented the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

This incident address was updated to 1600 Block of Pacific Coast Highway, previously listed as 1600 Block of Gaviota Avenue.

Originally Published 01/18/26:
Homicide detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 18, 2026, in the 1600 block of Gaviota Avenue.

At approximately 1:49 a.m., officers were on patrol when they heard multiple gunshots. They scanned the area and saw a white pick-up truck that had collided with a light pole and unoccupied parked car.

Officers approached the pick-up truck and discovered that the male adult driver had sustained a gunshot wound. They rendered medical aid until Long Beach Fire personnel arrived on scene. Fire personnel transported the victim to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation indicates the victim was inside the vehicle when he was shot. Suspect information and motive remain under investigation.

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

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Oscar Valenzuela and 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.