A Long Beach neighborhood is left reeling following a horrifying domestic violence episode where a father took the life of his 5-year-old daughter and then his own. The Long Beach Police Department shared details of the December 28, 2023 incident which escalated to a murder-suicide inside a home on the 3400 block of Adriatic Avenue, revealed in a recent update.
The situation started when a woman reported a case of domestic violence at a local substation leading officers to the suspect's address at approximately 3:01 p.m., according to a report by Long Beach Police Department. Upon authorities' arrival, smoke and suspected sounds of gunfire were coming from Powell's residence. The officers called for fire department backup, while also discovering the body of a young girl who had succumbed to a gunshot.
SWAT teams later found the father, identified as Chase Phillip Powell, dead in his home next to the recovered firearms. The department believes Powell ended his life as police encircled the house, although it's unclear if he was aware of the officer's presence. This suicide has been classified as an in-custody death, since it transpired during an attempted arrest, as explained in the department's policy manual obtained by the Long Beach Police Department.
"We are all devastated by the murder of a 5-year-old child. This is a heartbreaking act of domestic violence that should not have happened," Chief Wally Hebeish was quoted in a report by Hoodline. Local authorities, in coordination with community partners, are offering support services to those affected by domestic violence and encourage anyone in similar situations to seek help.
As investigations continue, the LBPD has urged anyone with additional information to reach out to Homicide Detectives Eric Thai and Alfredo Chairezat at (562) 570-7244 or to submit anonymous tips through "LA Crime Stoppers." Details on how to report abuse and gain assistance are available through various local support networks dedicated to combating domestic violence.
