On August 6, 2023, at approximately 7:21 p.m., Long Beach police officers responded to reports of a shooting near 29th Street and Chestnut Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered 20-year-old Long Beach resident, Kelvin Montoya, with injuries to both his upper and lower body. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, Montoya was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation revealed that Montoya had met with two individuals, 23-year-old Robert Mallard and 19-year-old John Nelson II, both from Los Angeles, for a marijuana transaction. The three men entered a vehicle together and, while traveling through Long Beach, an altercation ensued. This confrontation escalated into a violent encounter involving both shooting and stabbing near 29th Street and Chestnut Avenue, ultimately leading to Montoya's death.
Following the incident, Mallard and Nelson fled the scene and sought medical treatment at a nearby hospital for injuries sustained during the altercation. West Division officers detained them at the hospital after determining their involvement in the incident. A discarded firearm was recovered in the immediate area, further linking the suspects to the crime.
Homicide detectives believe that the motive behind the attack was a robbery, though the investigation is ongoing. Both Mallard and Nelson have been arrested in connection with Montoya's murder. Detectives plan to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact Homicide Detectives Sean Magee or Juan Carlos Reyes at (562) 570-7244.
