Two Suspects Arrested In Melody Ross Murder Case • Long Beach Post News

Two 16-year old males have been arrested in connection with last Friday night’s shooting at Wilson High School that took the life of 16-year old student Melody Ross and injured two males aged 18 and 20.

Police say the two suspects were arrested around 4:30pm today, and are members of a street gang that began fighting with a rival gang outside the school following a football game. The suspects were not together when arrested, and were taken in without incident.

One of the suspects is from Long Beach and the other is from Bellflower. Neither were students at either Wilson High or Poly High, and officers dispelled rumors that the suspects belonged to an Asian gang.

“I can tell you that the shooter will be charged with murder, and certainly attempted murder for the two that were injured,” said Lieutenant Lloyd Cox. Detectives will file the case with the District Attorney tomorrow. It is too early to tell whether the suspects will be tried as juveniles or adults.

Deputy Chief William Blair estimated that between 400 and 500 people were gathered at the scene of the shooting when it occurred, but just six witnesses came forward to provide detectives with information on the night of the shooting.

Over the last few days, more witnesses have begun to cooperate, he said. Police are still continuing the investigation and looking for anyone who may have been involved in the altercation that led to the shooting.

Many City officials were present during the conference and expressed words of gratitude to the police department. Councilmember Gary DeLong, whose 3rd District encompasses Wilson High School, issued a stern warning to gang members.

“The leadership of Long Beach needs to send a clear message to gang-bangers and other criminals,” he said. “You are not wanted in Long Beach, you are not welcome and we will make your life miserable every day that you remain.”

lbpost.com covered the press conference live below.

Final Update | 7:26pm: Cox: Melody’s race played no part. Rumors that the shooting was done by Asian gang members are untrue. Races of the suspects are not released. I can tell you the shooter will be charged with murder and certainly attempted murder for the two that were injured.

Update | 7:26pm: Lloyd Cox, LBPD homicide lieutenant: “There’s nothing to show this involved anything between these two schools (Wilson and Poly).

Update | 7:22pm: Kreng Krich, a Ross family spokesperson: “The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the larger Long Beach community for their overwhelming support. It tremendously helped the mother and family as they grieved the loss of their daughter.”

Update | 7:21pm: Arrests occurred around 4:30pm. The two suspects were not together but were both taken without incident.

Update | 7:16pm: Suspects are members of a gang that recognized rivals in the crowd and left the school grounds to fight outside. Shooting followed.

Update | 7:15pm: It appears that the two injured young people were intended targets.

Update | 7:13pm: Two arrests were made. One 16-year-old male from Long Beach and one 16-year-old male from Bellflower.

Update | 7:09pm: Councilmember Gary DeLong: “I have never had a doubt that our world class officers would catch the criminals who committed this act. The leadership of Long Beach needs to send a clear message to gang-bangers and other criminals: you are not wanted in Long Beach, you are not welcome and we will make your life miserable everyday that you remain.”

Update | 7:06pm: Police Chief Billy Quach: “We have a huge break in the case.”

Update | 7:05pm: Huge group of Ross’ friends and family (pictured right). About 30 people.

Update | 6:59pm: Melody Ross’ parents just arrived.

Update | 6:53pm: LBPD caught the suspect at 4:30pm tonight just before a candlelight vigil for Melody Ross at Wilson High School.

Update | 6:16pm: lbpost.com will cover the press conference live on this page starting at 7:00pm.

Update | 6:05pm: The Press-Telegram is reporting that police have arrested a 16-year old male.