Brandon Villareal, a 21-year-old Latino male from Long Beach, California, was fatally shot on April 12, 2025, near the Grand Prix of Long Beach. The incident occurred around 5:50 p.m. on Cedar Walk, a location bustling with attendees of the Acura Grand Prix IndyCar Series race. Villareal suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m.
Authorities reported that Villareal and the suspect were engaged in a verbal dispute before
the shooting. However, the exact motive remains under investigation. Shortly after the incident, a memorial was set up on Cedar Walk, with candles, flowers, and signs honoring Villareal. One sign read, “In loving memory of Brandon, your smile will be missed!”
Following the shooting, homicide detectives identified a 15-year-old male suspect from Long Beach. The suspect fled to Las Vegas but returned to California on May 4, 2025. On that day, law enforcement officers, with assistance from the FBI Criminal Apprehension Team, arrested the teenager during a traffic stop in Barstow. He was booked on suspicion of murder and is being held without bail at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall.
The Long Beach Police Department has handed the case over to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and they urge anyone with relevant information to contact detectives at 562-570-7244.
