TITLE
Recommendation to approve the expenditure of $15,000 in the General Fund Group, which will match the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors' pending allocation, for a total of $30,000 as a reward for information to solve the murders of Maurice Poe Jr., Melvin Williams II, and Ricardo Torres on October 29, 2019; and direct City Manager to coordinate and award the City authorized reward consistent with the Los Angeles County terms and conditions.
DISCUSSION
On October 29, 2019 at approximately 10:45pm, officers with the Long Beach Police Department responded to a residence in the 2700 block of East 7th Street regarding reports of a shooting. Once on scene, responding officers observed a group of 25-30 adult male and females at the residence. Long Beach Fire Department arrived and began rendering medical aid to victims. Nine victims were transported to three local hospitals with various gunshot wounds. Three male adult victims were also located and determined deceased at the scene by Long Beach Fire Department personnel. At this point, the motive for the shooting is unknown.
The Long Beach Police Department believes it would be beneficial to establish a reward, which may prompt reluctant witnesses to come forward and provide information to identify the individual(s) responsible for this crime.
This matter was reviewed by Budget Manager Grace H. Yoon on November 7, 2019.
STATEMENT OF URGENCY:
Allocating the funds and issuing the reward will encourage someone with information who is reluctant to come forward, to cooperate with investigators. This information can assist the investigators in solving the murders.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation requests authorization for a $15,000 reward payment for information to solve the murders of Maurice Poe, Jr., Melvin Williams II, and Ricardo Torres. Funds will come from any FY 19 or FY 20 General Fund Group funds available, looking first to any FY 19 year-end General Fund Group surplus funds to support this recommendation. Staff will request an appropriation increase at a later time for the disbursement of these funds once the recipient of the reward has been determined. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MAYOR ROBERT GARCIA