Christopher Barnes Identified in North Long Beach Murder-Suicide After Killing Two

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Authorities on Tuesday identified 51-year-old Christopher Barnes as the suspect in a tragic murder-suicide that left two people dead in North Long Beach on Monday, September 16. Barnes fatally shot 51-year-old Shoneka Lars, with whom he was romantically involved, and 71-year-old Donnell Crosby before taking his own life after an hours-long standoff with police.

According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 300 block of East 63rd Street, near Atlantic Avenue, around 11:15 a.m. following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered Lars lying on the ground, suffering from gunshot wounds to her upper body. She was rushed to a hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries. Crosby was found nearby inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Barnes, after shooting the victims, fled to a nearby residence and barricaded himself inside, according to law enforcement. SWAT teams and negotiators were immediately called to the scene in an effort to make contact with him. However, their attempts to communicate were unsuccessful. Police eventually deployed tear gas into the residence to subdue Barnes, but when officers entered the home using a K9 unit, they found him dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A firearm was located inside the residence where Barnes was found, confirming the murder-suicide scenario. While the exact motive behind the deadly shooting remains under investigation, authorities believe Barnes and Lars were involved in a romantic relationship, though the details of their relationship and the reasons for the violence are still being explored.

Investigators are working to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome. Police have not provided additional information regarding the nature of Barnes’ and Lars’ relationship or any prior history between the victims and the suspect. The involvement of Crosby in the incident is also being looked into as the investigation continues.

This violent episode has left the Long Beach community shaken, with residents reeling from the senseless loss of life. Authorities are urging anyone with further information about the incident to come forward as they continue to gather details to understand what motivated this act of violence.

As the investigation proceeds, the community mourns the loss of Shoneka Lars and Donnell Crosby, while seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding this devastating event.