The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) announced they have arrested two individuals, James Lemon and Venda Johnson, in connection with a murder that occurred nearly two decades ago in North Long Beach.
On November 22, 1995, the day before Thanksgiving, Renato Teniente sat in his idling car after delivering a pizza to a house near 55th and Paramount in Davenport Park. He was then approached by two men who attempted to rob him, and was subsequently shot in the upper body. Teniente was 60 years old at the time of his murder.
Over the course of time, LBPD identified two possible subjects. However, according to the LBPD, a lack of witness cooperation eventually led to the case going cold. After the case was reopened last year, however, Lemon and Johnson were identified.
Lemon, a 34-year-old resident of Las Vegas, was arrested at his home yesterday morning by an FBI task force agent and is awaiting extradition from Clark County Jail without bail. His 35-year-old accomplice was easier to locate: Johnson is serving a life sentence for murder at Buena Vista State Prison in Colorado and is currently awaiting extradition.
They were both 17 years old at the time of Teniente’s murder.
Detectives believe there are additional witnesses to this crime, and are hoping they will come forward at this time. Anyone with information is urged to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives Todd Johnson and Roger Zottneck at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.