Keyshawn Brooks, 15, of Long Beach was walking home from Cabrillo High School when he was confronted by a male suspect who attempted to grab his backpack then fatally stabbed him.
On Thursday, March 12, at approximately 3:25pm, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) received a 9-1-1 call from a community member regarding an assault with a deadly weapon in the 2800 block of Santa Fe Avenue.
The victim, identified as 15-year-old Keyshawn Brooks of Long Beach, was walking home from Cabrillo High School when he was confronted by a male suspect who attempted to grab his backpack. During the confrontation, the suspect stabbed Keyshawn and ran from the location.
Officers arrived on scene within two minutes of being dispatched and located Brooks, who had sustained serious injuries, according to police. Community members had begun administering first-aid to Brooks until medical assistance arrived. He was transported to a local hospital by Long Beach Fire Department paramedics, and pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.
Officers at the scene developed leads on the suspect’s whereabouts, which led them to a residence in the 1700 block of W. Columbia Avenue, where he was apprehended.
The suspect has been identified as 18-year-old Giovanny Montelongo of Long Beach. A motive for the incident is unknown and still under investigation at press time.
The stabbing occurred across the street from Stephens Middle School, at dismissal time, when numerous parents were in the area picking up their kids. Therefore, detectives believe many parents witnessed some or all of the incident and is asking them to come forward.
Although this incident did not occur on a school campus, the LBPD is working with the Long Beach Unified School District, which will be providing grief counseling to any students in need.
“This is an immensely saddening time for the family of Keshawn Brooks and the west Long Beach community,” said 7th District Councilmember Roberto Uranga. “I extend my sincerest condolences to the families, friends, and community members affected by this senseless act of violence. My office will continue to work with the police department and Long Beach Unified to ensure the safety of all our students and community members. As a parent, I strongly believe that all our children deserve a safe environment to learn and thrive. The ongoing racial and gang tensions in west Long Beach are unacceptable in a city as diverse as Long Beach, and I will not allow our communities to continually live in fear.”
Those with information are asked to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Malcolm Evans and Mark Bigel Guarino at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-222-tips (8477), texting TIPLA plus the tip to CRIMES (274637) or visiting lacrimestoppers.org .
Source: LBPD
