A grim update has shaken the community of Long Beach as homicide detectives have made an arrest in connection with the July 18, 2024, murder of Jaiquan Granberry, a 19-year-old local resident. Long Beach Police Department identified the suspect as Mathew De Diego, also 19, pinpointing him as the perpetrator not only of Granberry's death but of a second killing on Lime Avenue. De Diego was apprehended on July 23 and is held on $3,000,000 bail.
After responding to a shooting at a hotel on Willow Street around 3:33 p.m. on July 18, officers discovered a male victim with an upper-body gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical attention and subsequent care at a local hospital provided by the Long Beach Fire Department, identified by KTLA as Granberry, the victim succumbed to his injuries. Investigators, including Detectives Michael Hutchinson and Lisette Temblador, learned through their investigative rigor that the victim and suspect were acquaintances, together in the hotel at the time of the incident, according to Hoodline.
While the motive behind these violent acts remains shrouded in uncertainty, detectives have gathered evidence, including a firearm, currently undergoing processing. The Los Angeles District Attorney's office has been presented with the case details of the first murder on July 25, with intentions to proceed with the second case on the following day.
Authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice, urging anyone with insight into the heinous crimes to come forward. With the community's contribution, police hope to piece together the circumstances leading up to the killings. "Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Michael Hutchinson or Lisette Temblador," the Long Beach Police Department insisted. Those wishing to maintain anonymity can submit tips through "LA Crime Stoppers," accessible by phone or online.
