Long Beach
Police Department

UPDATE 7/12/2023:

Homicide detectives arrest two additional suspects responsible for a Jan. 21, 2023 murder in the 1500 block of West 31st Street.

On July 11, 2023, detectives from the Special Investigations Division located and arrested two 16-year-old male residents of Long Beach for the Jan. 21, 2023 murder of 17-year-old Khalil Saleem, and the attempted murder of two adult males.

Detectives located and arrested one 16-year-old suspect near the 1000 block of 21st Street and the other 16-year-old suspect was located in the 5400 block of North Paramount Boulevard. Both suspects were booked for one count of murder and are currently being held without bail.

“We’ve seen a recent increase in juveniles being arrested in connection to violent crimes, including murder,” said Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. “Now, more than ever, we need to work with our partners to invest in our youth – it will take our whole community to disrupt this cycle of violence. These two arrests are a testament to the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our personnel; they are to be commended.”

Detectives believe all four suspects were involved in the murder of Saleem and they will present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration later this week.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Michael Hutchinson or Lisette Temblador 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.

UPDATE 3/17/2023: 

On Mar. 16, 2023, detectives from the Special Investigations Division located and arrested a 16-year-old male resident of Long Beach and a 17-year-old male resident of the City of Signal Hill for the Jan.21, 2023, murder of 17-year-old Khalil Saleem, and the attempted murder of two adult males.

Detectives located and arrested the 16-year-old suspect near the 1000 block of Magnolia Avenue in Long Beach. The 17-year-old suspect was located in the 1500 block of Hill Street in Long Beach, and he was subsequently taken into custody. Both suspects were booked for one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder. The suspects are currently being held without bail.

“Yesterday, two minors were arrested for the senseless shooting that resulted in the death of Khalil Salem, who was 17 years old,” said Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. “Unfortunately, gun violence continues to impact our most vulnerable populations and we will continue working with our partners to identify ways in which we can disrupt violence in our community” 

Detectives will present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration early next week. While the investigation remains ongoing, at this time detectives believe the motive to be gang related.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Michael Hutchinson or Lisette Temblador 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.

Originally Released 1/22/23: 
On Jan. 21, 2023, at approximately 1:51 p.m., officers responded to a park in the 1500 block of West 31st Street regarding a shots call, which resulted in the death of a male victim.

Upon arrival, officers located two male adult victims with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, and a 17-year-old male victim in critical condition suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Officers performed life saving measures to the victims prior to Fire Department Personnel arriving on scene and transporting the victims to local hospitals.

Homicide and Gang detectives responded to the scene and initiated an investigation. The preliminary investigation revealed the victims were at the basketball courts when a SUV drove by and fired shots at the victims. An unidentified subject who was also on the basketball courts returned fire at the suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle immediately fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

The 17-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.  One of the adult male victims was released from the hospital and is recovering. The second male adult victim is still being cared for at the hospital and he is in stable condition 

The decedent has been identified as 17-year-old Khalil Saleem of Long Beach.

At this time, the motive for the shooting is unknown and no additional suspect information is available. Detectives remain committed to the investigation and will continue to evaluate all evidence and investigative leads.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Michael Hutchinson or Lisette Temblador 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.