MURDER INVESTIGATION - 900 BLOCK OF GAVIOTA AVENUE

Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a female adult that occurred on Nov. 22, 2024 in the 900 block of Gaviota Avenue.

At approximately 11:42 a.m., officers responded to a call regarding a report of a female adult who was shot.

Upon arrival, officers located a female adult victim with a gunshot wound to the upper body. Officers rendered medical aid and attempted life saving measures until being relieved by Long Beach Fire Department personnel. LBFD personnel transported the victim to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene. Through their preliminary investigation, detectives determined a male suspect approached the victim inside her residence. The suspect shot the victim, resulting in her death. The suspect fled the scene on foot prior to the officer's arrival.

Based on preliminary investigation, detectives do not believe this was a random attack.

The victim has been identified as Justice Lopez, a 21-year-old resident of Long Beach.

The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Oscar Valenzuela or Michael Hubbard (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.