On the night of July 23, 2012, Seaborn Mason, a 50-year-old resident of Long Beach, California, was shot and killed in front of a convenience store located in the 400 block of East South Street. The shooting took place shortly before midnight, prompting Long Beach police officers to respond to a call of shots fired. When officers arrived, they found Mason lying on the sidewalk, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. He was rushed to a hospital, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.
Mason was reportedly standing near the front of the convenience store when he was shot multiple times. Although there were several people present in the area at the time of the incident, none of them reported hearing an argument or seeing any altercation prior to the gunfire. The investigation was further complicated by the lack of witness descriptions of the suspect or suspects involved, despite surveillance footage showing multiple people near the scene.
In an attempt to garner more information and encourage reluctant witnesses to come forward, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Mason's death. This reward has been extended several times since the initial announcement in 2012, with the latest renewal occurring in early 2016, as authorities continue to seek leads in this unsolved homicide.
Mason's family members and investigators canvassed the neighborhood following the shooting, distributing flyers and appealing for information. Despite these efforts, the case remains open, and the Long Beach Police Department continues to request public assistance in solving the crime. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Long Beach Homicide Detectives Malcolm Evans or Todd Johnson at (562) 570-7247.