Police Investigate Apparent Murder-Suicide In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — The investigation into an apparent murder-suicide in North Long Beach continued Wednesday, law enforcement announced.

The Long Beach Police Department responded to a report of a shooting on Monday at approximately 11:15 a.m. in the 300 block of East 63rd Street. When police arrived they found a woman with gunshot wounds in her upper body and a man with unknown injuries.

Paramedics transported the woman, who was identified as 51-year-old Shoneka Lars, to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The injured man, who was identified as 71-year-old Donnell Crosby, was determined dead at the scene.

Following the shootings, the suspect fled into a nearby home and barricaded himself inside. Officers established a perimeter and the SWAT Team attempted to make contact with the suspect but were unsuccessful.

During the standoff, police obtained a search warrant for the home. Officers deployed gas inside the home as well as a K9 before it was deemed safe to enter. Once inside, police found the suspect dead with an apparent gunshot wound in his upper body.

According to investigators, the suspect, who was identified as 51-year-old Christopher Barnes, and Lars were in a relationship. The nature of the relationship as well as the motive and circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation, police said.

A firearm was recovered at the scene.

Anyone who may have additional information about the incident was urged to contact LBPD 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.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.