Three women were shot outside a liquor store in Long Beach late Tuesday night, leaving one victim in critical condition and two others with non-life-threatening injuries.
The shooting happened just before 11:30 p.m. near Pacific Coast Highway and El Segundo Boulevard, prompting a police response and emergency medical crews. The incident left the parking lot marked by evidence of gunfire as investigators began working to determine what led to the violence and whether the victims were specifically targeted.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to the initial report, the three women were outside a liquor store when gunfire erupted shortly before 11:30 p.m.
All three women were struck by gunfire. One victim was transported to a hospital in critical condition, while the other two suffered injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.
Long Beach authorities responded to the area and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Emergency medical personnel also responded to treat the injured women and transport the most seriously wounded victim to a hospital.
Video posted to the Citizen app appeared to show multiple bullet markers in the parking lot of the liquor store, illustrating the apparent extent of the gunfire at the scene. The footage provided a visual indication of where investigators were examining evidence, although it did not establish who fired the shots or what happened immediately before the shooting.
The identities and ages of the victims had not been released in the initial report.
Police had also not publicly announced whether the shooting stemmed from an argument, an attempted robbery, a personal dispute, or another confrontation. Investigators will likely examine witness statements and nearby surveillance footage as they work to establish a timeline.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
Investigators have not publicly identified a suspect or released information about a possible getaway vehicle.
Multiple bullet markers were visible in the parking lot in video from the scene, but authorities had not yet provided details about how many shots were fired or what led up to the shooting.
The motive also remained unknown.
According to the initial information, one woman remained in critical condition after being transported to a hospital. The other two victims suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Long Beach police are expected to review physical evidence from the parking lot, interview witnesses and examine surveillance footage from surrounding businesses. Investigators may also look for additional video from drivers, residents or businesses in the area that could help establish where the shooter came from and how the gunman left the scene.
The condition of the woman who was critically injured was not immediately updated, while the other two victims were expected to survive their injuries.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
The shooting raises concerns about violence in areas where people gather late at night, particularly around businesses along major roadways such as Pacific Coast Highway.
With three people wounded in the same shooting, investigators will likely examine surveillance footage, witness accounts and physical evidence from the parking lot to determine whether the victims were specifically targeted or were caught in a broader confrontation.
The fact that three women were injured also makes identifying the circumstances surrounding the shooting particularly important. Investigators will need to determine whether the victims knew the shooter, whether there was an argument before the gunfire, and whether anyone else was present when the shooting began.
Authorities may also appeal to members of the public who were in the area around the time of the shooting. People who witnessed the incident or captured relevant footage could provide information that helps detectives reconstruct the events.
A skeptical view is that the early details do not establish what caused the shooting or whether the three women were deliberately targeted. The presence of bullet markers confirms that gunfire occurred, but investigators have not released a motive, suspect description, or detailed account of what happened immediately before the shooting. Until police establish a clearer timeline, it would be premature to assume why the shooting occurred or who was responsible. It is also not yet clear whether the incident was connected to a broader dispute or was an isolated confrontation.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Long Beach police are expected to continue interviewing witnesses and examining evidence collected at the scene.
Investigators may also review surveillance footage from the liquor store and nearby businesses in an effort to identify the shooter or determine how the incident unfolded.
Authorities could examine additional video captured by residents, motorists or people who were near Pacific Coast Highway and El Segundo Boulevard at the time of the shooting. Investigators may also work to determine whether the victims were together when the gunfire began and whether anyone else was involved.
Authorities have not yet released a suspect description or announced any arrests.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify whoever was responsible. Any new information about the victims' conditions, a possible suspect or the motive could provide important context as the investigation develops.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Who shot the three women?
- What led to the shooting?
- Were the victims specifically targeted?
- How many shots were fired?
- What is the current condition of the critically injured victim?
- Is there a suspect or getaway vehicle?
- Will police release surveillance footage or a suspect description?
- Were any additional people involved?
- Did the victims know the suspected shooter?
- Was the shooting connected to an argument or another confrontation?