A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in Long Beach after allegedly fatally shooting a homeless man. The shooting occurred early Thursday morning at an encampment located near the beach playground on East Ocean Boulevard.
Police received a call just before 2 a.m. and found two men with gunshot wounds. One man was taken to the hospital and is expected to recover, while the other, identified as 51-year-old Frank Suggs, was pronounced dead at the scene. Suggs had been living on the streets for several years, dealing with mental health and substance use issues, according to his brother.
Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the teenager, who is being held without bail at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. He faces charges of murder and is expected to be tried in juvenile court, as California law prohibits minors aged 14 and 15 from being prosecuted in adult court for serious crimes.
The police are still investigating the motive behind the shooting and the events leading up to it. Detectives plan to present their findings to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office next week for further action.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing issues surrounding homelessness and youth violence in the area. The victim’s brother expressed sorrow not only for his loss but also for the young suspect, emphasizing the impact of such events on families involved.