MURDER INVESTIGATION ARRESTS – 5300 BLOCK OF PINE AVENUE

Homicide detectives have arrested two suspects responsible for the murder of Willie Smith, a 54-year-old resident of Long Beach.

The investigation began on March 13, 2024, at approximately 6:30 a.m. when the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) responded to the 5300 Block of Pine regarding a structure fire. While knocking down the fire, LBFD located Willie Smith deceased on scene. Homicide Detectives responded to the scene and worked with the LBFD Arson Investigators to further investigate the death of Smith.

At the time of the incident, this was classified as an undetermined death. Since then, the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner ruled the manner of death as homicide.

Through their investigation, detectives identified Preston Jabari Prince, a 31-year-old resident of Long Beach and Kevin Anthony Leslie Jr, a 27-year-old resident of Los Angeles as the suspects.

On April 26, 2024, Special Investigation Division Detectives arrested Prince in Long Beach. He was booked for one count of murder and a parole violation. He is being held without bail. Detectives arrested Leslie in the city of Los Angeles. He was booked on one count of murder and his bail is set at $2,000,000.

Detectives are still actively investigating the motive.

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

Anyone with information regardingthe incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Michael Hutchinson or Lisette Temblador (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submittedthrough "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smartphone (available at the Apple app store or Google Play), or by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.