9:00am | The fatal shooting of a 15-year old boy on Sunday morning is the latest in a disturbing flurry of Long Beach shootings that have killed teenagers, and the Press-Telegram reports today that the Long Beach Police Department has stepped up patrols in an attempt to quell the violence.

According to authorities, Brian Balderrama suffered multiple gunshot wounds around 6:25am on Sunday morning in the 1400 block of Gaviota Avenue. Balderrama was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his wounds.

Police said the incident was being investigated as possibly gang-related, but the Press-Telegram’s Tracy Manzer reports today that Balderrama was a known gang member, according to Lieutenant Lloyd Cox from the Department Homicide Detail.

The teenager attended Millikan High School until January 2009, according to Long Beach Unified School District spokesperson Chris Eftychiou. Balderrama then apparently left the school, although it is unclear where he went next.

Manzer also reports that three other shootings occurred within a 24-hour period over the weekend, though police do not believe the incidents are related and all victims are expected to survive.

But Balderrama is only the latest Long Beach teenager to be fatally shot in the past few months. Earlier in June, 15-year old Mao Eng died when two male suspects approached on bicycles and opened fire around 2:15am near 4th & Cherry. In March, 17-year old Jeffrey Jackson died from a gunshot to the head while standing with friends at Pacific & Cypress. Friends and others who knew Jackson said there was no way he was involved in gang activity. Less than one day earlier, three boys were shot when gunfire erupted during a family barbeque at 7th & Magnolia.

Manzer says that police are increasing their presence in dangerous areas of the city.

The increased presence of officers serves two purposes, [West Division Commander Josef] Levy explained, to elicit information while providing greater security for the community.

Police are often able to predict and prevent shootings with increased patrols, particularly after a murder like Balderrama’s when there is likely to be retaliation. But Manzer also points out that gang violence can be sporadic and unpredictable.

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