On December 10, 2024, at approximately 1:14 p.m., Long Beach Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 900 block of Via Carmelitos, located within the Carmelitos public housing complex in North Long Beach. Upon arrival, they discovered 32-year-old Los Angeles resident Dwayne Walton suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body.
Despite immediate medical assistance from both officers and Long Beach Fire Department personnel, Walton was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner later confirmed Walton's identity and ruled his death a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds. The shooting occurred between buildings 81 and 82, east of the Carmelitos Community Center, an area managed by the Los Angeles County Development Authority and comprising 713 units of family and senior housing.
As of now, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no suspect information has been released. The Long Beach Police Department's Homicide Detectives are actively investigating the case and have urged anyone with information to come forward. They can be contacted at (562) 570-7244, and anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.
This incident contributes to the rising number of homicides in Long Beach, with 39 reported so far in 2024, compared to 26 in 2023. The community remains on alert as authorities continue their search for the individual or individuals responsible for Walton's death.
