Fri. May 3rd, 2024

A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed in Long Beach, California Friday night after he met up with his suspected killer to purchase a cell phone.

Long Beach police officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Via Wanda around 9:30 p.m. for a report of shots fired.

When they arrived on scene officers found the teen suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. Despite first aid efforts by police, the boy was declared dead at the scene.

The boy has been identified as 15-year-old Joshua Simmons.

Investigators have determined that Simmons was in the area after arranging to purchase a cell phone from a person he met through an online marketplace app.

During the transaction, some type or altercation began which resulted in the boy being fatally shot.

Police were able to identify the person suspected of shooting the teen as 24-year-old Jose Bustamante Cardenas.

Cardenas was arrested in Long Beach by detectives who also seized a firearm from his possession. He was booked into the Long Beach City Jail where he awaits charges for murder.

He is currently being held on a $2 million bail.

A GoFundMe account was created for Joshua. The funds raised will be utilized for funeral arrangements and family support. You can donate here.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Long Beach police detectives Michael Hubbard or Jesus Espinoza at 562-570-7244. You can also submit an anonymous tip online at lacrimestoppers.org.

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By Buffy Gunner

Independent Journalist + Business Owner | Lover of all things true crime. Mantra: Only YOU can be YOU. | Los Angeles Born | buffygunner@illicitdeeds.com

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