On September 16, 2024, at approximately 11:15 a.m., Long Beach Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 300 block of East 63rd Street. Upon arrival, they discovered 51-year-old Shoneka Lars lying on the ground with gunshot wounds to her upper body. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. Additionally, officers found 71-year-old Donnell Crosby in a vehicle with gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, identified as 51-year-old Christopher Barnes, fled into a nearby residence, prompting a standoff with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. SWAT negotiators attempted to establish contact but were unsuccessful. After obtaining a search warrant, officers deployed CS gas and a K9 unit into the residence. Upon entry, they found Barnes deceased with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
Investigations revealed that Barnes and Lars were in a relationship. Family members indicated that Barnes was the father of Lars' children and that the couple was undergoing a breakup at the time of the incident. The motive behind the shootings remains under investigation.
The tragic event has left the community mourning the loss of both Lars and Crosby. Loved ones described Shoneka as "the sweetest person you'd ever want to meet." Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to this tragic incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Long Beach Police Department Homicide Detectives.
