Long Beach Police Department
09/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2024 17:34
MURDER-SUICIDE INVESTIGATION – 300 BLOCK OF EAST 63rd STREET
Homicide detectives are investigating a murder-suicide that occurred on Sept. 16, 2024 in the 300 block of East 63rd Street.
At approximately 11:15 a.m., officers responded to the 300 block of East 63rd Street regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a female adult victim laying on the ground with gunshot wounds to the upper body. A short time later, officers located a male adult victim in a vehicle with gunshot wounds to the upper body.
Long Beach Fire Department personnel transported the female victim to a local hospital where she was determined deceased. The male victim was determined deceased at the scene.
Officers learned a possible male adult fled into a nearby residence. Officers established a perimeter. The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was activated and responded to the scene. SWAT negotiators attempted to make telephonic contact however were unsuccessful in connecting with the suspect. During this time, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence. SWAT officers deployed CS gas into the residence and deployed a K9. Once safe to enter, SWAT officers found the suspect deceased in the residence with an apparent, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the upper body.
Officers also recovered a firearm.
The female victim has been identified as Shoneka Lars, a 51-year-old resident of Long Beach.
The male victim has been identified as Donnell Crosby, a 71-year-old resident of Long Beach.
The suspect has been identified as Christopher Barnes, a 51-year-old resident of Long Beach.
Homicide detectives responded to the scene. They have determined that the suspect and victim were in a relationship. The nature of the relationship as well as the motive and circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Eric Thai or Kelsey Myers 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.