1 Killed, 1 Injured In Long Beach Stabbing

LONG BEACH, CA — A man was stabbed and killed and another was struck with brass knuckles and injured during an altercation in Long Beach Thursday afternoon, police said.

The Long Beach Police Department responded to a stabbing in the 800 block of Cherry Avenue at about 3:52 p.m. When officers arrived they found a man inside his residence with a stab wound in his upper body who was receiving medical aid from the Long Beach Fire Department.

"The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in stable but critical condition. The victim ultimately succumbed to his injuries," LBPD said in a statement.

While officers were on scene conducting an investigation, the suspect voluntarily turned himself in at the Long Beach Police Department. Jonathan Sandoval, 21 of Long Beach, was taken into custody and was booked on suspicion of murder and assault with a deadly weapon. His bail was set at $2 million.

Through preliminary investigation, police determined Sandoval and the two victims were familiar and were involved in a physical fight inside the apartment. The fight escalated when Sandoval later retrieved a knife and a pair of brass knuckles, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

Police said Sandoval stabbed the first victim, who was identified as 41-year-old Long Beach resident Cristian Varguez, and stuck the other victim in his upper body.

Detectives will present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office next week for filing consideration.

Anyone who may have additional information about the incident was urged to contact Homicide Detectives Eric Thai or Kelsey Myers at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 800-222-8477 or by visiting LACrimeStoppers.org.