Matthew Howard, 18

Aug. 14, 2008, 10:17 p.m.

Matthew Howard, 18, a Samoan, was fatally shot about 9:50 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, in the 5900 block of California Avenue in Long Beach.

Officers from the Long Beach Police Department responded to a radio call of shots fired. Upon arrival, they found Howard and a 15-year-old wounded. Both were taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where Howard was pronounced dead. The 15-year-old is still recovering, authorities said.

Police did not have a description of a suspect or suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to call Dets. William Matsubara or Russell Moss at (562) 570-7244.

—Ruben Vives

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One reader comment

He's Samoan, try fix his Race/Ethnicity please, it says Asian SMH do you people even read before posting or whatever.

SIP Matthew "Mafu Loc" Howard *

even though i barely knew you, stuff like this should be kept in a dream not in reality. 6 years going on 7, its hard. i wish i could go back & meet you then, but it'll only be more harder then right now. Condolences to your whole aiga, may God continue to watch over them & wrap his arms around them thru the storms we face in our everyday life. like i said, so young so full of life. in the ground your buried, in my heart is where your residing at. Rest Ez Uso . . . theres a Heaven for a G (;

missing you everyday from when you left, has been hella difficult. Til' One Sweet Day! say hi to my Papa, Uncle, lil' uce Teu, & the rest of my angels (:

— missingyou637 Oct. 10, 2013 at 8:23 p.m.