Long Beach, CA – A tragic incident unfolded on Coolidge Street early Saturday morning, July 16, 2022, when police responded to a reported stabbing in the 2900 block of Coolidge Street at approximately 6:18 a.m. The incident resulted in the death of a 78-year-old woman.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the victim in an alleyway, suffering from apparent stab wounds to her upper body. Despite the rapid response of the Long Beach Fire Department, the woman was pronounced deceased at the location.
A quick-thinking resident alerted the authorities to a man seen fleeing the area where the attack occurred. Officers promptly located an individual matching the provided description running in the direction of the 91 Freeway near Paramount Boulevard. When officers attempted to apprehend the suspect, he reportedly resisted, leading to a use of force to bring him into custody. A knife was recovered at the site of the arrest.
Homicide detectives took over the investigation and believe the victim was collecting recyclables in the alleyway when she was attacked from behind by the suspect. Witness accounts suggest that residents shouting for help caused the suspect to flee on foot.
Investigators are currently working to determine the motive behind the brutal stabbing and are exploring the relationship between the victim and the suspect. It has been confirmed that both individuals resided in the same condominium complex.
The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Kevin Ngo, a resident of Long Beach. He has been booked into the Long Beach City Jail on a murder charge and is being held on a $2,000,000 bail.
The victim has been identified as Paz Veliz, 78 years old, also a resident of Long Beach.
The Long Beach Police Department is urging anyone who may have information related to this incident on Coolidge Street to contact Homicide Detectives Sean Magee or Juan Carlos Reyes at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips can be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), via the “P3 Tips” app for smartphones, or through their website at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
