Man shoots woman to death, flees with toddler in Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Two men were detained after a woman, who was with her child, was found shot to death in an alley in Long Beach on Tuesday.

Long Beach police responded to the possible domestic violence incident in the 1900 block of Chestnut Avenue around 8:30 a.m.

Officers said the unidentified woman was found with gunshot injuries to the upper torso. Witnesses said the victim was holding her toddler when they heard about 7 shots fired.

A preliminary investigation indicated a male suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Eric Jerome Williams, who neighbors said is the victim's boyfriend and the child's father, shot the woman and fled the scene with the toddler.

Soon after, an officer spotted Williams at an apartment in the 1800 block of Chestnut Avenue and forced entry into the unit to rescue the child.

The toddler was found unharmed and was in the custody of the Los Angeles County Department of Children & Family Services.

Williams, a Long Beach resident, was booked for murder and was being held at Long Beach City Jail on $1 million bail. Another man was also being detained.

A motive was unknown and the investigation remained ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident was urged to call Long Beach homicide detectives at (562) 570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS.