On March 20, 2024, at approximately 4 p.m., 37-year-old street vendor Yener Hudiel Ramirez-Miranda was fatally shot while selling food in the 100 block of East Eagle Street in Long Beach, California. Ramirez-Miranda, a married father of two, had been a familiar presence in the Wrigley neighborhood for 15 years, known for selling corn and shaved ice near Lafayette Elementary School. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound to the head and neck.
Investigations by the Long Beach Police Department revealed that Ramirez-Miranda was an innocent bystander caught in gang-related crossfire. Detectives determined that multiple suspects fired shots at individuals they believed to be rival gang members; however, one of the bullets struck Ramirez-Miranda, who was not involved in any gang activity.
In July 2024, authorities arrested three suspects in connection with the shooting:
- **Rahman Snook Abdallah**, 19, of Long Beach, was charged with murder and is being held on $2 million bail.
- **Raylon Deshawn Akers**, 23, of Los Angeles, was charged with murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm, with bail set at $2 million.
- **James Arthur Havlicheck Jr.**, 33, of Lakewood, was charged with accessory after the fact, with bail set at $1 million.
All three suspects are known gang members with prior criminal histories, including offenses related to auto theft, carrying concealed weapons, shooting at inhabited dwellings, and evading police. Their arrests were facilitated through security camera footage and coordinated efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies. During the arrests, officers recovered multiple firearms and executed search warrants in Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.
The tragic death of Ramirez-Miranda has prompted community mourning and discussions about the safety of street vendors. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the city's commitment to combating gang-related violence and ensuring the safety of all residents, stating, "Gun violence is not tolerated in our city." A GoFundMe campaign organized to support Ramirez-Miranda's wife and two children raised over $50,000, reflecting the community's support for his family.
