UPDATE* Murder Investigation – Lewis Ave. LB

UPDATE* Murder Investigation – Lewis Ave. LB

Homicide detectives are seeking the public’s help to identify the suspect responsible for the murder of 17-year-old victim, Briana Soto.

During a press conference, April 30 the department released video of the suspect responsible for this murder. This video shows the suspect walking in the area prior to the murder. The suspect appears to be a male, unknown age, dressed in all dark attire with a mask over his face. Detectives believe the suspect ran away from the area immediately after the shooting.

Detectives believe someone knows who this suspect is or may recall a person that was acting unusual on the night of Tuesday, March 26. LBPD urges anyone with information to call homicide detectives at 562.570.7244 or submit an anonymous tip via LA Crime Stoppers.

“We are requesting our community’s help to identify the suspect responsible for committing this horrendous crime,” said Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. “To Briana’s family – we will never stop working to find the person who took Briana away from you.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Homicide Detectives Ethan Shear or Chasen Contreras at 562-570-7244. Anonymously at 800-222-8477, www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Originally Published March 30
Homicide detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old girl that occurred on March 26

On March 26 about 8:26 p.m., officers responded to the area of 11th Street and Lewis Avenue regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found a 17-year-old female victim with a gunshot wound to the upper body. They immediately began rendering medical aid until the arrival of Long Beach Fire Department personnel, who transported the victim to the hospital in critical condition.

On March 30, 2024, the victim succumbed to her injuries. Her identity is being withheld due to her age.

On the evening of the incident, Homicide detectives responded to the scene due to the victim’s life-threatening injuries. The preliminary investigation revealed the victim was walking down the street when she was approached by the suspect(s) and a shooting occurred. The motive for the shooting is under investigation.