Long Beach police ID two killed in shooting

Police have identified two men shot to death at a birthday party at a home in the 6500 block of Rose Avenue in Long Beach.

Sophon Kao, 26, and Jerry Chim, 24, both of Long Beach, suffered gunshot wounds to the torso in an attack reported shortly before 10 p.m. Friday. Both men died at the scene, Long Beach police Sgt. David Marander said.

Two women also suffered wounds to the torso and were transported to a local hospital. One woman underwent surgery and was in critical condition, Marander said. The other had non-life-threatening injuries.

Police did not identify the female victims.

Investigators say that an unidentified gunman approached on foot and shot at the group of friends who were sitting in an alcove to the side of the home. Police have received reports that a vehicle was involved but have not confirmed that, Marander said.

Neighbor Erica Reeder said she heard at least six “pops” followed by women screaming as she watched TV late Friday.

“One of them said, ‘My brother’s shot. My brother’s dead. Someone shot my brother,’” Reeder said.

Reeder said she had exchanged pleasantries with her neighbors in the past but didn’t know their names. Parties were a rare occurrence at the home, she said.

The neighborhood of modest single-family homes is normally quiet, she said.

“You don’t expect to see something like this,” she said. “Especially when it’s next door to you.”

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catherine.saillant@latimes.com