Long Beach shooting, baby murder: $25,000 reward announced

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- A $25,000 reward is being offered as authorities step up their search for the killer of a 3-week-old baby.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the reward Tuesday for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

Supervisor Don Knabe, speaking at a news conference, said the initial amount of the reward was $10,000. However, that amount was increased to $25,000 due to the horrific nature of the incident.

"Hopefully this reward will trigger someone's memory," Knabe said. "I mean, it could be the littlest, the smallest of things brought to the police's attention to trigger an answer."

According to authorities, a man entered a Long Beach home, shot and wounded the little girl's parents and uncle, and then kidnapped the infant. The baby, identified as Eliza Delacruz, was found dead in a dumpster in San Diego County on Sunday not far from the Mexico border.

Police believe this was not a random crime, but the baby's family members say they don't have any idea who would want to harm them.

Eliza's father had just arrived home from work, according to Knabe.

"He sat down on the edge of his bed to watch his girlfriend feed their newborn baby. Without warning, a male suspect entered the room and started shooting," Knabe said.

Eilza's mother and uncle are still in the hospital recovering from their gunshot wounds. Her father was released from the hospital on Sunday, and is staying at another location as police try to identify the suspect.

Long Beach police do not have any leads or motives at this time, despite a plea by Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna.

"We need to start somewhere so any small piece of information could be that part of the puzzle that we need," Luna said.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information was urged to call Long Beach Homicide Detectives Donald Goodman and Mark Mattia at (562) 570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.