UPDATE: Arrests Made in Murder Investigation – Long Beach

Updated Jan. 22, 2026
Homicide detectives have made arrests regarding the Jan. 18, 2026, murder of David Alfaro.

Through their investigation, Homicide detectives identified the following suspects:

• Maliek Dontell James-Morrow, a 29-year-old resident from Long Beach. On Jan. 20, special investigations division detectives located and arrested James-Morrow in the 1600 Block of Anaheim Street in Long Beach. He was booked for murder. Bail was set at $2,000,000.
• Buon Henry Um, a 29-year-old resident from Long Beach. On Jan. 21, special investigations division detectives located and arrested Um in the 2000 Block of Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach. He was booked for murder. Bail was set at $2,000,000.

During the investigation, detectives determined the incident began as a dispute that escalated to a murder.

The victim was identified as David Alfaro, a 33-year-old resident from Long Beach.

Detectives presented the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

This incident address was updated to 1600 Block of Pacific Coast Highway, previously listed as 1600 Block of Gaviota Avenue.

BACKGROUND

Homicide detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 18, in the 1600 block of Gaviota Avenue.  

About 1:49 a.m., officers were on patrol when they heard multiple gunshots. They scanned the area and saw a white pick-up truck that had collided with a light pole and unoccupied parked car. 

Officers approached the pick-up truck and discovered that the male adult driver had sustained a gunshot wound. They rendered medical aid until Long Beach Fire personnel arrived on scene. Fire personnel transported the victim to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. 

Homicide detectives responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation indicates the victim was inside the vehicle when he was shot. Suspect information and motive remain under investigation. 

The identity of the decedent is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact homicide detectives Oscar Valenzuela and Jesus Espinoza at 562-570-7244 or anonymously at 800-222-8477, www.lacrimestoppers.org.