LOS ANGELES, CA – A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend, 21-year-old Justice Lopez, in Long Beach, authorities said.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, Lopez and the suspect had been in a previous dating relationship but were no longer together. Investigators believe the killing was a targeted act.
Police responded to a report of an injured woman on Nov. 22 in the 900 block of Gaviota Avenue at approximately 11:42 a.m. Officers arriving at the scene found Lopez lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to her upper body. She was transported by paramedics to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
No suspects were located at the scene, but detectives determined that a male individual had entered Lopez’s residence and shot her.
Days later, on Nov. 26, the teenage suspect was arrested on the 6100 block of Orange Avenue for unrelated no-bail warrants. During his detention, detectives processed evidence and followed leads that identified him as the primary suspect in Lopez’s killing, police said.
Authorities presented the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Dec. 2. The investigation remains ongoing, and the motive for the homicide has not been disclosed.
Detectives have urged anyone with information about the case to contact homicide investigators Oscar Valenzuela or Michael Hubbard at 562-570-7244. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous can provide tips via L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or submitting information online at lacrimestoppers.org.
The incident has drawn attention to issues of domestic violence and the impact of targeted attacks in personal relationships. Local authorities emphasized the importance of community assistance in solving cases like this.
