Long Beach
Police Department

UPDATE 3/15/2024

Homicide detectives have identified and arrested a suspect responsible for the February 14th murder of Jamie Jones, a 36-year-old resident of Long Beach.

On March 14, 2024, Special Investigation Division Detectives located the suspect in the Hollywood area, who was subsequently arrested and transported to the Long Beach City Jail for booking. The suspect has been identified as Damion Videl Castro, a 44-year-old resident of Long Beach. He was booked on one count of murder, one count of prohibited possession of a firearm, one count of prohibited possession of ammunition, a parole violation, and a fugitive warrant. He is being held without bail.

Detectives also arrested Danielle Mika Payne for accessory to murder. She is being held on $50,000 bail.

Detectives believe Jones and Castro were roommates at the residence on Chestnut Avenue and involved in an argument, which escalated into a shooting. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office next week for filing consideration.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Sean Magee and Juan Carlos Reyes 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 Published 2/14/2024

Homicide detectives are investigating a murder that occurred on Feb. 14, 2024, in the 2200 block of Chestnut Avenue.

At approximately 2:36 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 2200 block of Chestnut Avenue regarding a gunshot wound victim.

Upon arrival, officers located a male adult victim inside his residence suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body. Officers rendered medical aid and attempted life-saving measures until being relieved by Long Beach Fire Department personnel. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Homicide Detectives responded to the scene to investigate the incident. Through their preliminary investigation, detectives determined the victim was inside his residence when he was shot. The suspect fled the scene prior to the officer’s arrival.

The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner. The motive for the shooting and circumstances of the incident are still under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Sean Magee and Juan Carlos Reyes 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