In the early morning hours of July 31, 2026, the life of 38-year-old Ali Darren Muhammad Azim, a Black male, was tragically cut short in Long Beach, California. Police responded to a report of a shooting at approximately 1:00 a.m. in the 700 block of Magnolia Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered Azim in an alley, suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. Despite the immediate aid rendered by the officers and the subsequent arrival of Long Beach Fire Department paramedics, Azim was pronounced dead at the scene. The initial investigation revealed that the suspect or suspects had fled the area before law enforcement arrived.
Homicide detectives with the Long Beach Police Department immediately began an intensive investigation into the death of Ali Muhammad Azim. Their efforts quickly led to the identification of a suspect: 29-year-old Lefulefu Kaio Pasa Jr., a resident of Long Beach. Just five days after the shooting, on August 5, 2026, the LBPD's Special Weapons and Tactics team executed a search warrant at a residence in the 600 block of Cedar Avenue. During this operation, Pasa Jr. was taken into custody without incident.
Following his arrest, Lefulefu Kaio Pasa Jr. was booked on a charge of murder in connection with the death of Ali Muhammad Azim. His bail was set at $2,000,000. Investigators announced that the case would be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration. While an arrest has been made, the motive and the specific circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting remain under investigation by the Long Beach Police Department. As of the latest available reports, there is no public information regarding a conviction or sentencing in this case. The investigation remains open, and authorities have encouraged anyone with information to come forward to assist homicide detectives.
