Ricardo Torres, a 28-year-old man from Inglewood, California, tragically lost his life on October 29, 2019, in Long Beach, California. Torres was attending a Halloween-themed birthday party at a home in the 2700 block of East 7th Street when the incident occurred. The party, which had around 30 attendees, turned deadly when at least one gunman, dressed in dark clothing with a concealed face, began firing into the backyard from a rear alley.
The shooting resulted in the deaths of Torres, Melvin Williams II, 35, of Gardena, and Maurice Dawayne Poe Jr., 25, of Long Beach. Nine other guests, including the birthday celebrant, were injured in the attack.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that the perpetrators fled the scene in a dark-colored vehicle. Despite the efforts of the Long Beach Police Department, the suspects remained at large for some time. The authorities offered a $30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The shooting was a significant event in the community, prompting city officials and residents to come together in mourning and solidarity.
In the subsequent legal proceedings, five gang members were convicted for their roles in the mass shooting. David Heng Long, Kaylin Thik, Ryan Sim, Jeremy Penh, and Grant Johnson were found guilty of first-degree murder and nine counts of attempted murder. The jury determined that Long, Thik, and Sim were the shooters, while Penh masterminded the attack, mistakenly believing that rival gang members would be present at the party. The defendants were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Joshua Sam, another individual involved, pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and testified against his co-defendants, receiving a 17-year prison sentence.
The tragic incident highlighted the devastating impact of gang violence and the importance of community efforts to prevent such occurrences. The victims' families and the Long Beach community continue to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the senseless act of violence.
