Two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of murder Thursday, March 16 in the shooting death of a 17-year-old former Lakewood High School football player, the Long Beach Police Department said.
The suspects, 16 and 17, were arrested in Long Beach, according to an LBPD press release. Each teen was booked on one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder; both are being held without bail, the release said.
Khalil Saleem, who was remembered as “a great son, brother, and teammate,” died after an early afternoon drive-by shooting in the 1500 block of W. 31st Street on Jan. 21, according to police. Two men at the scene were also injured and hospitalized.
Saleem was described as a “member of the Lakewood Football Family” in a tweet from the high school squad.
It is with great sorrow that we have lost a member of the Lakewood Football Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Khalil Saleem and those impacted by the incident. Rest in peace, Khalil. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/OkVKHkxaOi
— LAKEWOOD FOOTBALL (@LKWDFOOTBALL) January 22, 2023
Investigators were still trying to piece together the relationship between the suspects and Saleem, according to Long Beach Police Department spokesperson Brandon Fahey.
No motive was clear as of Saturday, but Fahey said the department believes the shooting was gang-related. It was not immediately clear whether any firearms have been recovered, he added.
Detectives are set to meet with the District Attorney’s office early next week for filing consideration, Fahey said.
