Long Beach: Man, 24, shot in double homicide

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Sarith Em, a 24-year old Asian man, was shot and killed in a double homicide Jan. 1, 2009, in the 1800 block of Gardenia Avenue in Long Beach.

The shooting took place early on New Year’s Day. Family members said the Em and his girlfriend had gone outside to move a car and never returned.

‘The car door was open, and I saw her in the light from inside,’ said Debi So, 22, Tim’s sister. ‘I went to look and told her to get up, and that’s when I saw she was shot, she was bleeding. Then I saw that she was lying on her boyfriend, her hair was covering his face, and when I saw him, I knew he was gone. He was already gone.’

Em, an Army veteran who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Tim was taken to a hospital, where she later died.

Police said they do not think the murder was gang-related. A $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest was offered by Los Angeles County supervisors. Authorities said translation services were available to people who do not speak English.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Russell Moss or Det. Pat O’Dowd at 562-570-7244.

--Nathan Olivarez-Giles and Anthony Pesce

Family baffled by New Year’s slaying of Long Beach couple