Four men have been arrested in connection with the murder of a homeless man who was shot at a camp in Long Beach more than four years ago, officials said.
According to a news release from the Long Police Station, the violence unfolded in January 2021 at 68th Street East 2300 Block.
Officers responded to reports of the shooting victim at a homeless camp adjacent to the 91 Expressway and found 64-year-old Samuel Villalba with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest.
Medical workers at the Long Beach Fire Station responded to the scene and declared the 64-year-old’s death.
The 2800 block of East 68th Avenue in Long Beach, as seen in this Google Maps image.
Witnesses at the time explained that two or more men were fleeing towards Cherry Avenue.
Detectives continued their lawsuit, but no one was arrested in late October 2024, but the suspect’s gunman identified as Andrew Reina, a Lakewood resident who was found and arrested at a hotel in Lynnwood, was not arrested.
Two brothers reported deaths from a California highway were overlooked.
His second arrest was made in April 2025. Jesse Galvan, a 45-year-old Lakewood resident, was suspected of being involved in a fatal conflict.
Two more men were taken into custody on June 5th in connection with the murder.
Investigators said 25-year-old LA resident Jairo Enrique Rodriguez was arrested in the 8900 block of South Central Avenue, and 50-year-old David Toby Oropeza from LA was arrested in the 100 block of West Bruno Street.
Both men were booked and later charged with one count of conspiracy to commit murder and one count of murder, officials said.
Authorities did not say whether further arrests would be expected.
Anyone with information about the investigation is advised to contact LBPD Det. Oscar Valenzuela or det. Leticia Gamboa at 562-570-7244. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call La Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or leave tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
Source link
