On November 24, 2024, at approximately 1:55 a.m., Long Beach Police Department officers responded to reports of an "unknown trouble" in the 2600 block of East Ocean Boulevard, near Junipero Beach in Long Beach, California. Upon arrival, they discovered two male victims with gunshot wounds in a homeless encampment situated at a beach playground that was closed for repairs.
One of the victims, identified as 51-year-old Frank Suggs Jr., sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other man survived and was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner classified Suggs' death as a homicide resulting from a gunshot wound to the chest. Suggs, originally from Indiana, had been experiencing homelessness in California for several years, following struggles with mental health issues and addiction. His family recounted that he chose to live on the streets, believing he could offer help and advice to others facing similar challenges. Despite their efforts to bring him home, Suggs felt that living on the street was his place.
The Long Beach Police Department's Homicide Detail is actively investigating the circumstances leading up to the shooting. As of now, no motive has been determined, and no suspect information has been released. Detectives are working to identify any potential suspects and have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or via their website at lacrimestoppers.org.
Suggs' family is seeking answers and justice for their brother's death. They emphasize that addiction and mental health struggles do not define a person and are appealing to the community for any information that could assist in solving the case. The area around Junipero Beach has experienced previous incidents of violence, prompting concerns among residents and calls for increased safety measures. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and are working to address the issues affecting the community.
