Herbert Theodore Shepard, a 51-year-old man from Long Beach, California, tragically lost his life on April 8, 2014, after being shot three days earlier on April 5. The incident occurred in the 2300 block of Eucalyptus Avenue in Long Beach. On the night of the shooting, Long Beach police responded to a call of shots fired around 9 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Shepard and another man with gunshot wounds to their lower bodies.
Shepard was transported to a hospital in critical condition, where he succumbed to his injuries three days later. An autopsy confirmed that Shepard died from a gunshot wound. The other victim survived the attack.
Shepard's death was a result of a drive-by shooting, and he was described as a loving and giving person who had worked for Continental/United Airlines for 26 years. He was not involved in any criminal activity and was known to hate guns. At the time of the shooting, he was visiting a mother in Long Beach who had recently lost her son, placing him in the wrong place at the wrong time. Shepard left behind a close-knit family, friends, and co-workers who cherished his memory.
The investigation into Shepard's murder remains open, with Long Beach police urging anyone with information to come forward. Detectives Todd Johnson and Roger Zottneck are leading the investigation, and the public is encouraged to contact them or Crime Stoppers with any tips. Despite the passage of time, Shepard's family continues to seek justice and closure for his untimely death. The case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and the impact it has on families and communities.
