Glen Chico, a 31-year-old resident of Long Beach, California, tragically lost his life on February 23, 2018. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when Long Beach police officers were dispatched to the area of the 710 Freeway and Anaheim Street following reports of a possible traffic accident. Upon arrival, officers discovered a small white car stopped on the greenery of the onramp to the 710 Freeway from westbound Anaheim Street.
Inside the vehicle, they found Glen Chico, unresponsive, with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his upper torso. Despite the initial appearance of a traffic accident, further investigation revealed that Chico had been shot, leading to his untimely death at the scene.
The investigation into Glen Chico's death quickly transitioned into a homicide case. Homicide detectives from the Long Beach Police Department responded to the scene and began their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The investigation revealed that Chico had been driving the car when he was shot, causing him to drive off the road at a slow speed. The exact location of the shooting remained unclear, but it was evident that Chico had been targeted. The police urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in solving the case.
In the months following the incident, significant progress was made in the investigation. Authorities identified Surind Phon, a 34-year-old man from Fresno, as the primary suspect in the murder of Glen Chico. Phon was believed to have shot Chico out of rage, as Chico was driving a car that belonged to a woman Phon was dating. The woman, who had also been dating Chico, had lent him her car after they spent time together earlier that day. Phon, in a fit of jealousy and intoxication, shot Chico once in the chest, leading to his death. Phon was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, and discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle.
The legal proceedings culminated in a trial where Surind Phon was found guilty of the charges against him. In November 2019, a jury convicted Phon of second-degree murder and related charges. During the sentencing phase, Phon expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he was intoxicated at the time and did not intend for the tragic outcome. Despite his remorse, the court sentenced Phon to 40 years to life in state prison for the murder of Glen Chico. The case highlighted the devastating impact of jealousy and violence, and the importance of justice for the victim and his family.
