LONG BEACH, California — A quiet street in Long Beach turned into a crime scene in the middle of the night — and a family is now left without answers about why their loved one had to die.
Just before 1 a.m. on July 31, Long Beach police responded to reports of a shooting on the 700 block of Magnolia Avenue. When officers arrived, they found Ali Darren Muhammad Azim, 38, lying with a gunshot wound.
Paramedics did everything they could. It was not enough. Azim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooter was already gone.
A Five-Day Manhunt Ends With a SWAT Arrest
Investigators did not let the trail go cold.
After five days of active investigation, detectives zeroed in on a suspect — Lefulefu Kaio Pasa Jr., 29, also a Long Beach resident.
On August 5, officers and a SWAT team served a search warrant at a location on the 600 block of Cedar Avenue. Pasa Jr. was found there and taken into custody without further incident.
He was booked on a charge of murder and is currently being held on $2 million bail.
Motive Still Unknown
Despite the arrest, key questions remain unanswered.
Authorities have not disclosed what led to the shooting or what connection, if any, existed between Pasa Jr. and the victim. The circumstances surrounding the killing are still under active investigation.
Detectives are expected to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for formal filing consideration.
Police Asking the Community for Help
Investigators are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Tipsters can contact Homicide Detectives Juan Carlos Reyes or Lisette Temblador directly at 562-570-7244.
A man lost his life on a residential street. His family deserves the full truth — and so does this community.
If you know anything, now is the time to speak up. Share your thoughts in the comments below.