Long Beach
Police Department

Update 3/5/21:

On March 4, 2021, detectives from the Special Investigations Division located and arrested the following three suspects detectives believe were involved in the murder of the victim.

35-year-old Brandon Ritter and his mother, 53-year-old Jo Ann Ritter were arrested at their residence in the 1800 block of Termino Avenue.

57-year-old Morris Everett was arrested near his residence in the 1300 block of Taper Street.

Brandon Ritter was booked on one count of murder and one count of ex-felon in possession of a firearm and is currently being held in the Long Beach City jail on $2,000,000 bail.

Everett and Jo Ann Ritter, who are significant others, were each booked on one count of accessory after the fact and are currently being held in the Long Beach City jail on $1,000,000 bail.

Homicide detectives believe Brandon Ritter was engaged in an intimate relationship with the victim when he violently assaulted her, resulting in her death. Detectives further believe Everett and Jo Ann Ritter were involved in concealing evidence of the crime. 

Detectives anticipate presenting their case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office early next week for filing consideration.

Original News Release 1/7/21:
On March 30, 2020 at approximately 10:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of Taper Street to assist the Long Beach Fire Department with an unconscious female adult, which resulted in her death. 

Responding officers learned that, prior to their arrival, the victim was located inside a residence and determined deceased by Long Beach Fire Department personnel. 

Detectives learned the victim had been living at the residence when another resident arrived home and discovered the victim unresponsive, before dialing 9-1-1.  Based on suspicious circumstances, Homicide detectives responded to the scene to investigate. 

The victim has been identified as 44 year-old Terry Limas, resident of Long Beach.

In August 2020, detectives learned the autopsy conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has determined victim Limas’ death was the result of a homicide. During a January 2021 review of statistics, the Media Relations office discovered this murder investigation news release had not been posted to the Department’s website. This was an unintentional oversight and we apologize for the delay.

Anyone with any information regarding the incident is urged to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Michael Hubbard or Leticia Gamboa 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.