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Long Beach police have declared a suspect in the fatal shooting of a Long Beach mother and her young daughter. The man had previously been described only as a person of interest, but police decided to name him a suspect after reviewing additional surveillance footage, KTLA reports.Carina Mancera, 26, her boyfriend Luis Anaya, 27, and the couple's 4-year-old daughter Jennabel were coming home from the grocery store on August 6 at about 10:20 p.m. when, near Locust Avenue and East 9th Street, an unknown gunman opened fire on the family. Mancera and Jennabel were struck and killed. Anaya, who was across the street unloading the car, said the gunman fired at him too, but missed.
Police found two separate videos depicting the man they believe is responsible for the killings. In one, he is seen at a convenience store. In another, he is seen getting on a Metro Blue Line train at Fifth Street and Long Beach Boulevard, then getting off at the San Pedro station near downtown Los Angeles. In both clips, he is seen carrying a suitcase.
Police are concerned he may have fled the area, as passengers on the Blue Line train said he was talking about leaving California, ABC 7 reports.
The motive behind the murders remains unclear. They don't know if the killer targeted them for some reason, or if it was entirely random, according to the Press Telegram.
The man has been described as a black male in his 20s or 30s, average height, and about 220 to 250 pounds. At the time the video was taken, he had some facial hair. Police are concerned that he may have left the state.
Anyone with information should contact the LBPD at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips may be made by calling 800-222-8477, or online via lacrimestoppers.org.
