A homeless man is facing a murder charge after a man he allegedly assaulted in Long Beach last month died from his injuries, police announced Wednesday.
Long Beach police said officers responded to the 1800 block of Long Beach Boulevard around 8:20 p.m. Aug. 1 after receiving a report of a man with a gun.
When officers arrived, they found a man who appeared to have been assaulted, and Long Beach Fire Department personnel took him to a hospital in critical condition.
Police said they located the suspect, identified as 49-year-old Zetty Jerome Welch, at the scene. Welch, whom police described as a person experiencing homelessness, was initially arrested and booked on suspicion of battery causing serious bodily injury.
Nearly a month later, on Aug. 31, homicide detectives were notified that the victim had died from his injuries.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office then amended Welch’s charge to murder, according to police, and he is now being held on $2 million bail.
The victim’s identity has not been released pending identification and notification of his next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
Police have not said what led up to the alleged assault, and a motive remains under investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Long Beach police homicide detectives Eric Thai or Chasen Contreras at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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