(LBPD PRESS RELEASE)
Update 1/8/2021:
On Jan. 7-8, 2021, the Long Beach Police Department arrested 4 suspects in connection with the Dec. 16, 2020 shooting death of 14-year-old Long Beach resident Arthur Touch.
Through their investigation, detectives uncovered evidence indicating that a dispute took place between the victim and the four suspects. The dispute escalated to a physical assault which led to the victim being shot prior to the suspects fleeing the scene.
“Any loss of life due to violence is unacceptable, but the murder of a 14-year-old should be an outrage to our entire community,” stated Chief of Police Robert G. Luna. “I want to thank our Special Investigations Division detectives for their relentless efforts to identify and arrest the suspects responsible for this senseless crime.”
On Jan. 7-8, 2021, Special Investigation Division Detectives coordinated an operation to serve three search warrants at the following locations:
- 2000 block of Linden Avenue
- 400 block of 21st Street
- 1800 block of Cedar Avenue
During the search warrant service, detectives recovered 4 handguns, 7 rifles, and ammunition. The firearms are not believed to be involved the murder, but will be further investigated.
The following arrests were made in connection to the murder of Arthur Touch:
- 19-year-old Jose Martinez was arrested on Jan. 7, 2021 at his residence in the 2000 block of Linden Avenue.
- 18-year-old Jacob Valentin was arrested on Jan. 7, 2021 near his residence in the 400 block of 21st Street.
- 25-year-old Junior Parra and 23-year-old Ricardo Parra are brothers and were both arrested on Jan. 8, 2021 by the California Highway Patrol in San Diego, near the US border into Mexico. The brothers were involved in a vehicle and foot pursuit with CHP Officers after attempting to flee. Additional information regarding the pursuit is available in the CHP news release.
Each of the four suspects was booked on one count of murder. They are each being held in the Long Beach City jail on $2,000,000 bail. Detectives anticipate presenting their case to the Office of the Los Angeles District Attorney early next week for filing consideration.
Anyone with any information regarding the incident is urged to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Oscar Valenzuela or Eric Thai 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 Published 12/17/20:
On Dec. 16, 2020, at approximately 8:50 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of St. Louis Avenue to assist the Long Beach Fire Department with a gunshot wound victim, which resulted in the death of a male.
Responding officers learned that, prior to their arrival, the victim was determined deceased by Long Beach Fire Department personnel. The original calling party had reported a male who fell and appeared injured in the street. When fire personnel located the victim in the roadway, they observed apparent gunshot wounds to his upper torso and called for police response.
The victim is only being identified as a male at this time, with age unknown. The Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner-Coroner will work to identify the victim and notify next of kin.
Detectives are searching the area for additional evidence and witnesses. The motive for the shooting has not been determined although it is being investigated as gang-related.
Anyone with any information regarding the incident is urged to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Oscar Valenzuela or Eric Thai 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.
