Gerardo Placencia, 20

Gerardo Placencia, a 20-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Tuesday, Sept. 25, near 7th Street and Rose Avenue in Long Beach, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

Officers responded to a call of gunshots heard in the area about 8:50 p.m., according to a Long Beach Police Department news release.

When authorities arrived, they discovered Placencia lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the torso. Paramedics were called and the victim was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

During the investigation, detectives learned Placencia was walking with a 12-year-old relative who was riding her scooter in front of him. As the pair were walking, they were confronted by three men who asked Placencia what gang he belonged to, officials said.

Placencia did not answer and tried to walk away and was shot. The girl went to a local business and called for help as the assailants ran away from the scene.

Since the incident, authorities have arrested three men in connection with the murder: Montreal Hill, a 19-year-old black man, Eric Hubbard, an 18-year-old black man and a 15-year-old male juvenile.

Hill and Hubbard are being held in lieu of $4-million bail at jails in Castaic. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 18 in Long Beach Superior Court.

No information was available about the status of the alleged juvenile offender.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Long Beach Police homicide Dets. Malcolm Evans or Todd Johnson at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted via the Web by visiting www.tipsoft.com.

-- Los Angeles Times