Long Beach
Police Department

Update 9/25/21:
On Sep. 25, 2021, LBPD announced the arrest of four suspects related to this murder investigation. Please see this news release for more information.

Original News Release 6/25/21:
On June 24, 2021 at approximately 10:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to assist Long Beach Fire Department personnel who were responding to a report of a shooting victim at 15th Street and Cedar Avenue, which resulted in the death of a male adult.

Officers from the Long Beach Police Department were the first to arrive on scene, followed by Long Beach Fire Department personnel. Officers located the victim in his vehicle in the 1400 block of Cedar Avenue, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso. They immediately began performing life saving measures until fire personnel determined the victim deceased at the scene.

The victim has been identified as Rafael Araiza, a 22-year-old Long Beach resident.

The preliminary investigation suggests an unknown suspect approached the victim as he sat in his vehicle and a shooting occurred. Homicide detectives responded to canvass the scene for witnesses and evidence. While the motive is not yet known, the case is currently being investigated as gang-related.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Donald Collier 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.