Long Beach
Police Department

CORRECTIONS 7/14/23 at 3:30 p.m.:

At the time of the incident, the suspect was living with the victim but was no longer working as a caretaker for the victim, as originally indicated.

Following the incident, the suspect called 9-1-1, not the caretaker as originally indicated. However, the caretaker provided details of the incident to dispatchers.

These details have been updated in bold below.

Homicide and Child/Elder Abuse detectives are investigating a June 14, 2023 death, which was recently ruled to be a homicide by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.   

On June 8, 2023, at approximately 12:07 p.m., officers responded to the 2600 block of Fanwood Avenue regarding a report of an unknown trouble, and someone was being strangled. Upon arrival, officers located a female adult suspect inside a residence leaning over a male adult victim with her hands around his neck. Officers immediately entered the residence and took the suspect into custody without incident. 

The Long Beach Fire Department arrived on scene and rendered medical aid to the victim. The victim was alert, had no signs of serious injuries, and he declined transportation to a local hospital.    

Child and Elder Abuse Detectives responded to the scene to investigate the incident. The preliminary investigation indicated the victim and suspect are relatives. Shortly after the incident, the suspect called 9-1-1, and since the victim requires 24-hour medical care, a caregiver who was present at the time of the incident, gave details to dispatchers on the suspect’s phone.

Soon after the incident, the victim complained of pain to his throat and his health rapidly started to decline. On June 14, 2023, the victim was found unresponsive in his home and was later determined deceased. Homicide detectives along with Child and Elder Abuse detectives were notified.   

On June 30, 2023, the County of Los Angeles Medical-Examiner ruled the victim’s death a homicide. 

The suspect has been identified as Jennifer Dail, a 52-year-old resident of Long Beach, who was booked for attempted murder at Long Beach City Jail. Bail was set at $1,000,000.   

The victim has been identified as James Brooks, an 83-year-old resident of Long Beach. 

Detectives will meet with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to discuss amending the suspect’s charges.   

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Child and Elder Abuse Detective Steve Baranowski at (562) 570-7321. 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.