Victor Eugene Alford Jr., 37, was fatally shot in North Long Beach on May 15, 2016, and died of his chest wound on May 25, 2016. Family members said he was on his way to pick up his mother from church when officers responded about 5:40 p.m. to reports of gunfire near East 61st Street and Orange Avenue and found him with a gunshot wound to his upper torso. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition and later pronounced dead at 11:36 p.m. on May 25, according to coroner records.

Initial police statements said the shooting was not believed to be gang-related. Witnesses reported a red Mercedes-Benz and a gray Volvo SUV with Nevada plates leaving the scene, and investigators released surveillance images and composite sketches of two persons of interest: a light-skinned woman in her twenties with red hair and a man in his early to mid-twenties with dreadlocks. In June 2017 authorities announced charges against three people in connection with the homicide; available reports do not confirm the final outcome of those homicide charges.

Victor’s family described him as a devoted father, son, and brother who helped care for his mother Dinah after his father’s 2006 death and was active in church life. If anyone knew Victor, saw either vehicle, or has information about the shooting, please come forward.