Long Beach Man Arrested In Killing Of Woman He Was Dating

LONG BEACH, CA — A Long Beach man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman he was dating was found shot to death early Tuesday, police said.

Officers were called to the 1400 block of Redondo Avenue at about 3:06 a.m. Tuesday for a death investigation, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

When officers arrived, they found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. Long Beach Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced her dead at the scene.

Police identified the victim as Suzette Aparijo, 48, of Hawaiian Gardens.

Homicide detectives investigating the shooting identified 45-year-old Long Beach resident Juan Antonio Cruz as the suspect, police said. Cruz was arrested and booked into Long Beach City Jail on suspicion of murder. His bail was set at $2 million.

Detectives determined that Cruz and Aparijo were in a dating relationship, according to LBPD. Police have not disclosed what led to the shooting and said the motive and circumstances surrounding Aparijo's death remain under investigation.

Detectives are expected to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration.

Anyone with information about the killing was asked to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Thai and Contreras at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips can be submitted to LA Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).