Department of
Health & Human Services

At approximately 11:32 p.m. yesterday, May 9, two youth from our community were shot on the 2200 block of Lewis Avenue in Long Beach. This horrific event resulted in the injury of a 14-year-old girl and the death of a 12-year-old boy, Eric Gregory Brown III, of Long Beach. A third victim, a 13-year-old girl, was not physically injured. The City of Long Beach condemns this senseless murder and sends heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of the murder victim as well as the other two young victims.

The City of Long Beach has compiled a list of resources, provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with people who are trained in trauma-informed care. Many people across the city are grieving Eric’s death, and you may feel sadness, anger, hopelessness, or a combination of emotions.

Do a mental health check-in
It can be easy to take on other people’s experiences as your own, which can cause you to feel worried or anxious or remind you of something that you have lived through that lead to feeling unsafe. Remember that it is okay to reach out to others and that you are deserving of support and care.

Check in with others
Ask open-ended questions about how they are feeling and practice active listening. Those with children might feel compelled to reassure them that they are safe, but also validate children’s feelings with affirming statements. Instead of bringing in your own experiences or comparing them, try to restate what you have gathered from what they are saying without expressing your own opinion or giving advice.

Practice self-care
Self-care looks different for everyone. You can go for a walk, take deep breaths and even turn off the news. It is also important to drink water, eat full meals and sleep.

Here are some places you can find immediate help:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• The Anxiety and Depression Association of America
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness
• SAMSHSA’s National Helpline
• Crisis Text Line

 Helping children and adolescents cope with traumatic events

• National Institute of Mental Health

The Long Beach Health Department’s Mental Health team has assembled a mental health guide with more resources on the Mental Health Matters website.

The Long Beach Police Department is investigating this murder. Anyone with information can contact Homicide Detectives Michael Hubbard or Jesus Espinoza 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.