In the early evening of Friday, August 14, 2026, the life of 20-year-old Cori Michael Scales was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence in Long Beach, California. Scales, a resident of Long Beach, was driving his vehicle in the vicinity of 12th Street and Lewis Avenue in the city's Cambodia Town area at approximately 7:28 p.m. when he was struck by gunfire. The preliminary investigation by the Long Beach Police Department indicated that Scales was driving when an unknown assailant or assailants opened fire. Following the shooting, his vehicle crashed into a Southern California Edison power pole.
When Long Beach police officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Scales suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers administered lifesaving measures until personnel from the Long Beach Fire Department arrived and transported him in critical condition to a local hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Cori Michael Scales succumbed to his injuries two days later, on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The suspect or suspects had already fled the scene before the arrival of law enforcement.
In the days following the shooting, Long Beach Police Department homicide detectives launched an investigation into the incident. However, the motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and authorities have not released any description of a potential suspect or suspects. Detectives have made a public appeal for information, believing there may be additional witnesses who observed the events leading up to and following the tragic shooting. The case remains an active investigation, with law enforcement urging anyone with information to contact the Homicide Division. As of now, no arrests have been announced, and the circumstances surrounding the death of Cori Michael Scales are still being thoroughly examined by authorities who are seeking to bring those responsible to justice.
