Second Murder Suspect Arrested In Long Beach Encampment Shooting

LONG BEACH, CA — A second suspect has been arrested in connection to the shooting death of a man at a homeless encampment in north Long Beach more than four years ago, according to police.

Lakewood resident Jesse Galvan, 45, was taken into custody on suspicion of murder in the slaying of Long Beach resident Samuel Villalba, 64, on Jan. 10, 2021, according to the Long Beach Police Department. His bail was set at $2 million, police said.

Galvan's alleged co-conspirator, Lakewood resident Andrew Reyna, 48, was also arrested on suspicion of murder in October 2024 after detectives tied him to Villalba's death, Long Beach police said last year.

Reyna has since pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and conspiracy to commit a crime, court records show. He remains jailed on $2 million bail, arrest records show.

Police say Villalba lived at a homeless encampment next to the westbound traffic lanes of the 91 Freeway.

On the night the 64-year-old was fatally shot, witnesses described seeing two or more male suspects running away from the scene toward Cherry Avenue.

It's not yet clear why he was shot, though police previously said it may have been gang-related.

Long Beach police describe gang-related crimes as being committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal street gang.

The LBPD asks anyone with more information regarding the crash to contact detectives at 562-570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may submit a tip through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to your smartphone (available at the Apple App store and Google Play), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.