Two men have been cuffed in connection with the murder of 54-year-old Willie Smith, whose body was found amidst the ashes of a Long Beach blaze last month, according to local authorities.
The Long Beach Fire Department stumbled upon the grim discovery on March 13 after rushing to extinguish a fire on the 5300 Block of Pine Avenue, the Long Beach Police Department stated in a press release. Initially, the death of Smith was a riddle, with no clear cause, the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner later stamped it as a homicide.
Preston Jabari Prince, 31, of Long Beach, and Kevin Anthony Leslie Jr., 27, from Los Angeles are the duo facing charges for the alleged murder. Prince was nabbed by Special Investigation Division Detectives on April 26 in Long Beach and is currently held without bail due to a murder count and a parole violation. Leslie was apprehended in Los Angeles, slapped with a murder charge, and handed a bail of $2,000,000.
The murder's motive remains a mystery, with detectives digging for the why in a case that shocked the local community, leaving neighbors to grieve and grapple with the loss of Smith. The case will be pitched to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of charges next week, as investigators press forward.
Long Beach Homicide Detectives Michael Hutchinson and Lisette Temblador are heading the inquiry and have urged, anyone with information about the Smith's death to come forward. Tips can be shared anonymously through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by using the "P3 Tips" app or visiting their website.
