On March 13, 2024, at approximately 6:31 a.m., firefighters from Long Beach Fire Station 11 detected smoke emanating from a residence in the 5300 block of Pine Avenue, Long Beach, California. Upon arrival, they discovered a fire in a single-family home with an adjoining two-story duplex. While extinguishing the blaze, firefighters found the body of 54-year-old Willie Smith inside the residence. The fire was swiftly contained by 6:40 a.m., limited to the first-floor unit.
Initially, the cause of Smith's death was unclear. However, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later determined that he had died from multiple gunshot wounds, classifying the case as a homicide.
Following an investigation, Long Beach Police Department detectives identified two suspects: 31-year-old Preston Jabari Prince of Long Beach and 27-year-old Kevin Anthony Leslie Jr. of Los Angeles. On April 26, 2024, both men were arrested on suspicion of murder. Prince was additionally charged with a parole violation and held without bail, while Leslie's bail was set at $2 million.
As of the latest reports, the motive behind Willie Smith's murder remains under investigation. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to contact Long Beach Police Department homicide detectives.
