Juan Manuel Moreno, a 40-year-old Latino male, tragically lost his life on August 4, 2020, in Long Beach, California. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's records, Moreno was shot near 728 Cerritos Avenue. The incident occurred in the afternoon, and upon arrival, officers found Moreno lying in an alley with gunshot wounds to his upper torso.
Despite the life-saving efforts of the Long Beach Fire Department personnel, Moreno was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into Moreno's death revealed that he was involved in an altercation with the suspect prior to the shooting. The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Richard Young of Long Beach, was known to Moreno. On October 5, 2020, detectives attempted to apprehend Young during a traffic stop, which led to a brief vehicle pursuit. The pursuit ended when Young's vehicle collided with two other vehicles, after which he fled on foot. Detectives observed Young holding a firearm as he ran through a residential neighborhood. He was eventually apprehended without incident, and the discarded firearm was recovered and processed by the Long Beach Police Department’s Forensic Sciences Division.
Young was booked on one count of murder and one count of ex-felon in possession of a firearm. He was held in the Long Beach City jail on $2,000,000 bail. The case was presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, but it was established that the victim and suspect had a prior altercation. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Moreno's death continued as detectives worked to gather additional information.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and the complexities involved in solving such cases. The Long Beach Police Department's efforts to apprehend the suspect and bring justice to Moreno's family demonstrate the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing violent crimes. The community's cooperation and the diligent work of the detectives were crucial in advancing the investigation and ensuring that the suspect was held accountable for his actions.
