On June 16, 2023, at approximately 9:58 p.m., 35-year-old David Nevarez was fatally shot outside a residence in the 5500 block of Ackerfield Avenue in Long Beach, California. Responding officers found Nevarez with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body; he was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigations revealed that Nevarez and 40-year-old Long Beach resident Roland Barber, previously unknown to each other, became involved in a dispute that
escalated into the shooting. Barber was arrested on June 29 in connection with a separate non-fatal shooting that occurred the same day. While in custody, detectives gathered evidence linking him to Nevarez's murder. Barber has been charged with murder and is being held on $3 million bail.
Further investigation led to the arrests of two additional individuals. On August 3, 2023, 35-year-old Long Beach resident Maytte Barber was apprehended near the 13000 block of Downey Avenue in Downey, California. She was booked on suspicion of accessory to murder and is held on $1 million bail. The same day, 59-year-old Long Beach resident Edward Wayne Williams was arrested near Stearns Street and Bellflower Avenue in Long Beach. He also faces charges of accessory to murder, with bail set at $1 million.
Detectives believe the initial dispute between Nevarez and Barber may have been over a parking issue at the Pacifica Cove Condominiums, where the shooting took place. Barber, allegedly wearing a mask and using a cane, is accused of shooting Nevarez following an argument. After the incident, Barber fled the scene and was later involved in another shooting on June 29, which led to his initial arrest.
This case highlights the tragic consequences that can arise from seemingly minor disputes, emphasizing the importance of conflict resolution and community safety. The Long Beach Police Department continues to urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Homicide Detectives at (562) 570-7244.
