562.570.5273
LBPDPIO@longbeach.gov
Update 9/3/25:
Homicide detectives have made an arrest regarding the Aug. 28, 2025, murder of a 50-year-old person experiencing homelessness.
Through their investigation, Homicide detectives identified the suspect as Billy Zepeda, a 49-year-old person experiencing homelessness. Detectives located and arrested Zepeda on Sept. 2, 2025, in the area of Baltic Avenue and Willow Street. During the arrest detectives recovered a firearm in Zepeda’s possession. Zepeda was booked for murder, ex-felon in possession of a firearm, and ex-felon in possession of ammunition. His bail was set at $2,000,000.
The motive remains under investigation.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner.
Detectives will present the case later this week to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Eric Thai and 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.
Original News Release 8/29/25:
Homicide detectives are investigating the murder of a male adult that occurred on Aug. 28, 2025, in the 200 block of W Broadway.
At approximately 4:23 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of W Broadway, near Lincoln Park, regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, officers contacted a male adult victim with a gunshot wound. Long Beach Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Homicide detectives responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation suggests the suspect approached the victim, shot him, and quickly fled the area. The motive for the shooting and additional circumstances of the incident are currently under investigation.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Eric Thai and 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.