On Friday, November 21, 2014, Long Beach Police arrested 18-year-old Carlos Alexis Escalante of Long Beach and 19-year-old Ricardo Gonzalez of West Covina in connection with two shootings that occurred in North Long Beach. Officers stopped the two teenagers when they were driving in a vehicle together. They found a quantity of drugs and a gun during their search of the vehicle, which led to additional drugs and weapons charges.
Detectives believe the two are responsible for the murder of Enrique Lopez on May 26, 2014, which happened in the 2800 block of E. 65th St, as well as the attempted murder of four additional individuals who were standing near the victim when the shooting occurred. The suspects were also charged with attempted murder for their involvement in a shooting that occurred on October 23, 2014 near Artesia Blvd. and Atlantic Ave. Both incidents are believed to be gang related.
Long Beach Homicide Detectives in collaboration with Gang Investigations Section Detectives presented their cases to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. On November 25, 2014, the Los Angeles County District Attorney filed the following charges against the suspects:
- One count of murder
- Five counts of attempted murder
- Gang enhancements
- Weapons violations
- Possession of drugs with intent to distribute
Escalante and Gonzalez are being held in Los Angeles County Jail.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding these crimes is urged to contact Long Beach Police Homicide Detective Hugo Cortes at 562-570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org.