Chaotic scene at Long Beach fatal shootings described

Women were screaming and wandering around in shock after two men were fatally shot at a late-night party in Long Beach, a neighbor who witnessed the aftermath said Saturday.

Erica Reeder said she was at home watching TV Friday when she heard at least six “pops” coming from her neighbor’s house in the 6500 block of Rose Avenue. Loud music coming from the home stopped and she heard women screaming, Reeder said.

She called 911 and stepped outside to investigate and saw two women wandering around in appparent shock. Reeder asked the women what happened.

“One of them said, ‘My brother’s shot. My brother’s dead. Someone shot my brother,’” Reeder said.

Long Beach police said they received several calls about shots fired around 9:55 p.m. Friday. Two men were pronounced dead at the scene and two women were taken to a hospital, Long Beach Police Sgt. David Marander said Saturday.

One of the women underwent surgery and is in critical condition, Marander said. The other had non-life-threatening injuries, he said.

Identities of the dead men and the suspect have not been released. Police believe that the shooter was not among the group but approached from the street and shot into the backyard, where a small party was taking place, Marander said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Long Beach homicide detectives at (562) 570-7244.

Reeder said she exchanged pleasantries with her neighbors but didn’t know their names. Parties were a rare occurence at the home, she said.

The neighborhood of modest single-family homes is normally quiet and people keep to themselves, she said.

“You don’t expect to see something like this,’’ she said. “Especially when it’s next door to you.”

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catherine.saillant@latimes.com