Michael Maurice Hess, 47

Michael Maurice Hess, a 47-year-old black man, was fatally stabbed Wednesday, April 23, in the 6500 block of Indiana Avenue in Long Beach, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Hess was involved in a dispute with a 52-year-old man who lived in the same apartment complex, according to a news release from the Long Beach Police Department. Police responded to a call of an assault with a deadly weapon about 10:45 p.m. 

Hess was pronounced dead at 11:03 p.m. at the scene, according to coroner’s records.

Police said that Hess was fighting with his neighbor in the garage area. The neighbor tried to end the argument but Hess would not let him.  Hess continued the argument, and the man went into his own apartment. Hess then climbed a six-foot gate to get to the man’s bathroom window. The man’s roommate called 911. Hess then climbed inside through the bathroom and went into the neighbor’s bedroom.

The neighbor defended himself with a kitchen knife, which resulted in Hess' stab wounds.

Detectives presented their findings April 28  to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, which ruled that the neighbor had acted in self-defense; no charges were filed.

Anyone with information is asked to call Long Beach Police Dets. Greg Krabbe and Mark McGuire at (562) 570-7244. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz