Homicide detectives are unraveling the circumstances surrounding the death of a 72-year-old Long Beach man. Initially believed to be a suicide, the incident took place on November 1, in the 4700 block of Greenmeadow Road, according to the Long Beach Police Department. The call, which came at approximately 8:22 p.m., originally dispatched officers to aid the Long Beach Fire Department with what seemed, at face value, to be a clear-cut case of self-harm.

Upon entering the residence, authorities discovered the elderly man with a life-ending wound that was first thought to be self-directed. However, as detectives joined by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner's investigator began to piece carefully together the puzzle, it became clear that the gunshot wound was not self-inflicted, as initially assessed, as reported by the Long Beach Police Department.

The man's identity has been temporarily held back, as officers are intent on notifying next of kin before releasing his name to the public. The motive and details that led up to the tragic event are now key focuses of the inquiry, with detectives earnestly pursuing to identify any potential suspect(s) that may hold the answers to this unexpected mystery.

In their pursuit for clarity, Homicide Detectives Eric Thai and Kelsey Myers are available at (562) 570-7244 for anyone who can offer insights. Additionally, anonymous tips can strategically be submitted through various avenues outlined by the Long Beach Police Department, including a call to "LA Crime Stoppers" or by utilizing technology in the form of mobile apps and online resources.