Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) detectives traveled to San Diego to confer with authorities, and the San Diego Coroner’s Office confirmed the deceased infant as Eliza Delacruz, who had been missing from the home in the 100 block of W. 51st Street where three of her adult relatives had been shot and injured on Jan. 3 around 5:50pm.
The preliminary investigation led detectives to believe an adult male suspect fled with the infant immediately after the shooting occurred.
Long Beach Fire Department responded to the scene and transported her parents and uncle to local hospitals. Two victims were in critical but stable condition. The third victim was treated and released.
The suspect, who is described as a male with dark skin, possibly Hispanic or African-American, fled the scene with the infant and remains outstanding. No vehicle was seen leaving the location.
“I am grateful to Supervisor [Don] Knabe and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for assisting our efforts to solve this case,” said Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna. “I want to thank the entire board for approving the motion for this reward. We are hopeful this will bring the information needed to seek justice for baby Eliza and her family.”
The LBPD hosted a news conference Monday to provide an overview of what had transpired in the shooting and the related kidnapping and murder. Police, again, stressed the need for anyone with information to come forward.
“We need to get the coward who committed this violent and senseless act off the street, but we absolutely need the public’s help to do this,” Luna said. “We need to hear from you.”
The suspect who committed these crimes remains outstanding. No one has come forward with information, and LBPD urges anyone with information to call Long Beach Homicide Detectives Donald Goodman and Mark Mattia at (562) 570-7244. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), text TIPLA plus their tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit LACrimeStoppers.org .
Source: LBPD
