Long Beach
Police Department

UPDATE Published 7/7/2023:

Photo of Eric Brown
(Click on image to enlarge)

Homicide detectives have arrested two suspects in connection to the murder of 12-year-old Eric Brown III.

Through their investigation, Homicide detectives obtained security camera footage and used Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to identify and locate the suspect vehicle.

This led to the identification of two suspects - Reshawn Strother and Destenee Scipio – for the murder of Eric Brown III.

• Reshawn Strother, a 20-year-old resident of Cypress, was already in police custody related to an investigation out of Los Angeles Police Department’s jurisdiction. He will be charged with murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Bail was set at $5,000,000.
• Destenee Scipio, a 21-year-old resident of Long Beach, was arrested on July 5, 2023, in the city of Cypress. She will be charged with murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Bail was set at $4,000,000.

 “These children were victims of a horrific act of gun violence, which has no place in our community,” said Chief Wally Hebeish. “As a father, the loss of a child is unimaginable, and I send my deepest condolences to the family of Eric Brown – I hope they can find solace in the justice that will be served. I would like to thank the officers, detectives, and professional staff who worked tirelessly to solve this senseless murder.”

“I commend the excellent and tireless work of our Long Beach Police Department to bring justice for the families impacted by this senseless act of gun violence,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Eric was a vibrant and joyful child who deserved to grow up and reach his full potential. In his honor, we must hold those responsible accountable and continue to prioritize and invest in opportunities for our youth to thrive."

Detectives presented the case this morning.

To watch the news conference: 

Booking photo of Reshawn Strother

Booking photo of Destenee Scipio
(Click on images to enlarge)

ORIGINAL Published 5/10/2023:
On May 9, 2023, at approximately 11:32 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2200 block of Lewis Avenue regarding a hit shooting, which resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy and injuries to a 14-year-old girl.

Upon arrival, officers contacted three victims, a 12-year-old male victim with a life-threatening gunshot wound to the upper body, a 14-year-old female victim with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the lower body, and an uninjured 13-year-old female victim. Both victims were transported to local hospitals by Long Beach Fire Department personnel. The 12-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The 14-year-old girl was treated for a non-life-threatening injury.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene and initiated an investigation. The preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were walking on the sidewalk when they were approached by the suspect vehicle, containing at least two male suspects. An unknown number of suspects shot at the victims.

“The shooting that took place last night is devastating. A young boy’s life has been cut short due to an intolerable act of gun violence”, said Chief Wally Hebeish. “While we mourn this loss as a community, our officers will not stop working to locate and arrest those responsible for this tragedy.”

The decedent has been identified as 12-year-old Eric Gregory Brown III of Long Beach.

We urge anyone with information to contact Homicide Detectives Michael Hubbard or Jesus Espinoza 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.