LBPOST.com: Search For Wilson High Shooter Continues

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Search For Wilson High Shooter Continues

by Ryan ZumMallen | Long Beach News | 11.02.09 |

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Detectives with the Long Beach Police Department continue to search for information that may help them identify the shooter that fired into a group outside Wilson High School following a football game on Friday night, injuring two males and killing 16-year old Wilson student Melody Ross.

The 18-year old and 20-year old males who were injured will recover, but the murder of Ross has shaken the city and drawn the ire of many who have had enough of the violence. A makeshift memorial near the Ximeno Avenue location where the shooting occurred overflowed with flowers, candles and messages of love from friends and classmates of Ross this weekend. It was a symbol of the joy that friends say Ross had for life, but also a symbol of a community�s compassion for one of their own.

The more we learn about Ross, the more we take her murder personally. This can be seen at her memorial, where many messages and letters were from people who did not know the victim, but still felt compelled to express their condolences. It can be seen at Wilson High, where rumor is that students will collectively don black attire today in her memory.

We feel for Melody because any one of us could have been Melody that night. An innocent bystander, unknowingly in harm�s way where there should never be fear of harm, she did nothing wrong and yet paid dearly anyway. This is where the confusion comes from, and also the frustration and also the anger. The finger pointing has been consistent through the weekend, but we all know that the fault lies with the shooter who bafflingly decided to fire a weapon into a group of students on Friday night. That person�s shoulders alone must carry the responsibility for the loss of a vibrant 16-year old life.

Police now are searching for that person, said LBPD spokesperson Dina Zapalski, who added that there is very little information for detectives to work with. She asks that anyone with information about the shooter call (562) 570-7244. Investigators have released no suspect descriptions, and there is no word if one or several people were involved.

How can it be so difficult to find information when such a large group was gathered at the scene when shots were fired? Zapalski says that crowds typically scatter in shootings such as this, and they happen so fast that it can be difficult to see or remember anything. �Everyone was running to get away,� she said on Sunday.

Today, everyone is running to find answers. Why were the shots fired? How could a person be so reckless? What is going on in Long Beach?

The rallying cry has been strong, as people have been brought together by their sorrow and their anger. Whatever their emotions, the goals are the same. And in Ross� incredibly untimely passing, it has been encouraging � beautiful, even � to see Long Beach residents unite, with the beaming smile in her photograph shining down on the bouquets and the handwritten notes on Ximeno Avenue. It�s easy to imagine that she would be pleased with the outpouring of love, the will to make this community a better place in the wake of tragedy.

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Related Coverage:

Wilson Student Killed Outside School In Shooting
Friday Night Shootings: One At Wilson High, One Officer-Involved

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Comments

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37 Comments so far.

Lakewood Volleyball
Rest in Peace Melody... Poor girl... Wrong place at the wrong time. We cant go pointing fingers about Security or about the neighborhoods... It was just an unfortunate series of events... How do we know it was a gangster and not just some crazy nut doing a random shooting...

JHz
Sadly this is just one in a long string of murders by gun fire here in Long Beach. For some reason certain citizens have decided it's okay to shoot others. Until the whole problem is addressed and people say enough to guns, it's not going to go away. Really, the City Council needs to do something to make the police department more effective, to put dealing with the gangs here and the drug problems here in front of the silly things they waste time on. I am leaving this city in part because I am tired of hearing gun shots every night and tired of worrying if I go out will I be in the wrong place at the wrong time? I live in a decent neighborhood but it doesn't matter any more. Everywhere here is getting worse. Three armed robberies in one day recently. People getting beat up and stabbed going to Pine Avenue. Warnings about car burgleries on the rise. Armed car jacking the same night as this murder. And so much more. I moved here about 2001, Long Beach has really changed for the worse.

Nikol
heartbreaking.

Juan Pardell
Ryan: Confusion & frustration has long since passed. People are angry and fed up with crime.

Bennett
What a tragic event, not only for Ms. Ross but for the shooters and humanity. I believe it is important to pay our respects to Ms. Ross and her family but equally important to not let anger and sadness consume us. Whether or not this was a gang initiation shooting, I believe it is necessary to rehabilitate and prevent rather than drop the gavel on probably another young individual. We would not wish for these events to become a constant that we are enveloped in daily, but as hard as it may seem it is important to forgive and love those who have committed such a disrespectful act. In the time being, let love for the possibility of life shine through our souls, let us acknowledge the contrast between happiness and true sadness. Difficult times are a test of your character, these times are not meant for us to give up and let violence rule us-- to let vengeance and judgment control our actions. These are difficult times that demand leadership and action. Listen to one another, love one another, have strong character and faith in the path you take.

Dennis
Someone knows who did this horrible crime, his friends, his family, people know. Hiding this murderer is as cowardly an act as his firing into a crowd and killing this young woman. Why do people protect these criminals? It just gives them more power in their neighborhoods and community. Turn them in. Do what is right, do not reward this murderer by keeping his secret.

Samuel Lippke
I have shivers going up and down my spine just reading this and seeing the images. My heart goes out to her family. Grace Brethren prayed for her family yesterday. This is heart wrenching. No more violence! Why is long beach getting worse this past year?

Concerned Parent
It was NOT the wrong place or time, it shouldn't be, why would anyone say that?!!! We were all at an exciting H.S. football game that turned tragic due to the cowardly act of individuals that have no respect for life or regards for others. I'm so mad and upset to think that our children can't safely attend a school function here in Long Beach with us parents having to worry if they will come back alive. How pathetic is that! To the shooter(s)… Turn yourself in, do what's right and do it now! You *****! God bless you Melody!

Jane Galloway
Our hearts are breaking for Melody's family and friends. We offer our church, Immanuel Center for Conscious Living, as a place where a community memorial service may be held as our gift toward the healing. Please tell us how we may be of help. We are on the corner of 3rd and Obispo 438-2931 We hold all in prayer and love.

Sander
My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Melody Ross, and to the school administrators who must feel devastated by this tragedy. May we find a path to healing, and an end to violence.

Another Parent
JHz, we wish you well in finding another City without crime in today's society. As for the casted blame towards City Council, they are not a substitute for what parents ought to be doing to educate their children. The parents that do often are damaged forever by the product of the parents that don't.

LB Poly Mom
Praying for the killer to be caught and the family to be able to survive their grief. So very awful. Kids at Poly are wearing black for Melody today as well...Peace to all.

Dave in Alamitos Beach
This morning (Monday), Channel 5 was saying that one of the wounded men was in fact the shooter? Any truth to this rumour? Or is Channel 5 way off base?

Sandolla
My son is a sophomore at Wilson. He did not know Melody, but as a schoolmate, and myself as a parent... we are very sad. We were out runnin' around Sunday, and we drove by the school on Ximeno. I started to cry when I saw the flowers and balloons at the crosswalk - there are many more than in the pictures attached to this article. This morning, when I asked my son if he wanted to take some flowers to add to the memorial... he said 'of course'. This is truly heartbreaking. Our sympathies go out to her family, friends, and everyone else touched by this terrible incident.

Wilson Mom
One thing i do know is some changes need to be made, better lighting on Ximeno (it's so dark), LBPD presence at large events (there were not 1), and security cameras, until then my children will not be attending another large nightly football game, it could of happened anywhere and may of happened if all the above were in place but if were well lit with police presense and cameras maybe th ekiller would of thought twice. My heart bleeds for all her family/friends/and anyone there that night that had to witness this sensless act. rest in peace Melody Ross we are all so sad that you are gone. Probably a reward unfortunately will bring the killer to justice.

Capster
Thoughts of love and healing go out to everyone affected by this, the family, friends, community, school and yes, even to the person who did this! It is from a lack of love and caring in our society today that we have kids so scared and angry that they lash out in attack. Then the collective "we", in our own anger and fear over the situation, lash back and attack the seeming source of the problem, maintaining a vicious circle of fear and anger. While certainly this kind of insane activity happens in smaller communities, it is a much rarer occurrence. Why? Simple - in smaller communities, it is more common to still see the "it takes a village to raise a child" mentality that binds families with their neighborhood. I have watched this for 17 years sailing with the Topsail Youth Program in San Pedro. We get groups of disenfranchised kids on a downward spiral, showing all the signs of dropping out of life. They spend 10 days on our Tall Ships, being treated as extended family with respect and unconditional like, and the results are amazing. Do we save every kid? Of course not! Do we impact a huge number of them and awaken them to the possibilities they can be in their lives? Absolutely. It's simple to see the evidence that truly loved, accepted human beings rarely flip out and go killing their fellow human beings. So, until we choose that path over our current path, our current system of making new laws by the thousands, trying to legislate kindness and morality, can never succeed. It never has, and it never will. History has shown us that repeatedly if we will look and learn. I, for one, am ready for change...

Rachel
An utter tragedy. My heart goes out to Melody Ross' family and everyone at Wilson.

Rebecca
Bennett - wise words, but right now, we are a community in mourning. I think we can all aspire to follow your good advice, but it will take longer for some of us to heal...especially our children who have been traumatized by this tragic incident. Thank you, Mr. ZumMallen, for pointing out that the responsibility and blame for this lie solely on the shooter (and his parents if he is a minor). JHz - As to the rise of crime in Long Beach - it is on the rise everywhere. Higher unemployment and uncertain economic times usually bring with them more criminal activity...it's a fact of life that people who are scared and angry sometimes do stupid things...Another Parent - well said. Rest in peace Melody and condolences to Melody's family friends and the Wilson community.

Sad and Angry
Melody's death is such a tragedy. That Homecoming game should have been a great memory: The great cross-town rivalry, the big enthusiastic crowd, bands, cheerleaders, the Homecoming court, the dance and all the excitement of the event. How horrible that within the context of what should be a wonderful high school experience, we have a senseless murder. So disturbing to me is my Wilson daughter's acceptance of this incident as an everyday risk. The notion that our kids accept that as part of their reality there are people who carry guns, and that innocent people can be shot, is horrifying to me.

Swimmaven
News media: Stop calling her's and other's memorials, "makeshift memorials." They are spontaneous memorials to loved ones, heart felt memorials for those taken away from us. May she be in a wonderful place now. It is sad to lose her.

Teacher
This is a sad time for our school, children and community. As a Long Beach resident and teacher I have loved my city but the violence in this instance is almost unbearable to handle. I weep because such a beautiful student with a bright future will not of had the opportunity like myself to achieve her dreams. It makes me cringe knowing that when my children soon attend High school they could be slain on the sidewalk by a thug with a gun for unexplainable reasons. I stayed in Long Beach because I wanted my children to grow up in a diverse city were they could have an appreciation and respect for others not found elsewhere. It's disheartening knowing we live with a risk in this city, whether we are at a park with our children or attending a school function. We can either come together as a community or relocate to a safer city with less diversity. I felt as long as my children attended certain schools, had good friends and avoided certain neighborhoods they would be safe in Long Beach, not now. City council needs to issue mandatory police presence at every high school football game in Long Beach because these are such large events that draw big crowds. Most violence in these events are going to occur after the game and outside the campus perimeter or a few blocks away, police should know this and prepare for this. It is the city's job to make us at least feel safe which I do not. Once on the campus I believe students feel safe but I know once they stray just outside the gates then there is a sense of danger. My own children tell me this. How about having extra patrols around the neighborhoods after this event? I will be very upset if nothing happens as a result of this.

sad mom
im so sorry for your lose as i sit here reading this on facebook i cry for you and i dont no you if i could give you a big hug to just help a little i would the person well be caught very soon believe me he or she is felling you pain and god will get you though this pain that you have in your life right now so god bless you and dont give up he is right there with you

JR Salazar
I'm set to blog my thoughts on this later tonight, but when I passed by on Saturday, everything was quiet. I saw a few posters celebrating Homecoming, and then I walk by a throng of students surrounding a set of flowers, candles and incense. Then I pass by the stadium. Above the stands I could see arcs of ballons in Wilson's colors, a sad reminder of what was a day to celebrate the return of Bruins past and the great deeds of superheroes turn into a unforgettable, unforgivable Nightmare on Ximeno Avenue. Even some Lakewood Lancers fans went to send their condolences. I screamed to the heavens, "Justice Will Be Served! Rest In Peace!" And so the healing process continues.

Melanie
today at school was THE hardest school days i had to go through. I didn't know her but my good friend knew her very well and it was great to see most students wear black even though we are a uniformed school. Our school was safe with good academics, its not fair this had to happen and also give our GREAT school a bad rep. Love you melody, rest in peace <3

LB Poly Cheer
We all wore blackk for you today . we didnt know you but , we're sure that you were a great girl . we love you and RIP baby girl .

Mother of Four
I am the mother of four children, my oldest graduated from Poly, and and my second oldest graduated from Wilson. My siblings and I all graduated from Wilson as well. I have seen both schools change so much over the years, and I have seen neighborhoods change as well. I see this horrific tragedy as a reflection of the gang violence that has been allowed to proliferate throughout my home town of Long Beach and throughout the whole United States. I don't know if it is political correctness or what is holding up the fight, but this has got to stop. The police know who the gang-bangers are, the teachers know who the gang-bangers are, the parents know who the gang-bangers are, and the kids know who they are as well. People are afraid to speak out against this, afraid to point a finger, afraid to aknowledge what is right in front of their eyes! Parents: wake up! If you know your kids are involved in this...turn them in! Friends, neighbors, siblings, homies, you know that someone knows what happened to Melody. Turn them in! Some sick person did this, and as many of you have pointed out, this is where the finger needs to be pointed for the blame. But we all need to work to find the culprit. A sick person did this awful act to a beautiful girl and she deserves justice. Imagine her as your daughter, your sister, your best friend. Turn them in! Today we are all responsible for Melody, for what her life could have been. And we will all be responsible if we allow this to continue. RIP sweet girl Melody. Your life was too short, but maybe this community can rally round you and your family and make your life worth something very precious, can make this life better and safer and more loving for all of us.

JHz
Just to note a response to the comment that crime is on the rise everywhere, it's not. I've been checking the crime statistics in neighboring cities for some time now. There are cities not far from Long Beach where crime is not going up. They are also large cities. So if they can deal with it, why can't Long Beach? I've lived here several years, I've seen what has happened. No, crime is not going up everywhere.

lbresident
JHz, statisticlly speaking crime is going down in Long Beach too. But statistics don't really matter when something like this happens.

Kate K
I didn't know Melody, but I mourn for her and for her family. This is happening everywhere--for a family to have escaped the killing fields for this--we have you in our hearts. This is frustrating, to decry this senseless killing by even more senseless humans and not being able to do a thing about it.

Leslie
Again, far too many of Long Beach's children are being killed by gang members guns. It needs to be a #1 city priority to break up gangs.

THAT_LB_GUY
Perhaps the members of the LB Police Department should spend less time worrying about whether or not they are going to get paid for putting on their uniforms, and more time ridding the city of the types of hoodlums that perpetrate this sort of violence.

Lakewood Volleyball
Like I said, how do we know it wasnt just a crazy nut? Why do we assume it was gang related...

L.B. Citizen
To Jhz's comment about crime in Long Beach: You couldn't be more right! The L.B. city council should be ashamed of the way they approach crime in L.B. They should take a no tolerance on gangs and do a round-up like the Sheriff Dept. did in Hawaiian Gardens months back. They need to take over this city and take pro-active measures to curtail this ludicrosy. I'm sure if it happened to one of their immediate family members, they would change their tune! But then again, look who's running this city...not exactly sharpest tools in the shed!

Adreana Langston
Could one of the posters please submit the URL that leads to the news story indicating that those investigating the crime know or suspect that is was gang related? All the articles that I'm reading are stating that dectectives do not have any leads. When I first heard this story my thoughts were "Some Harris and Klebold type kid got tired of being picked on by jocks and ignored by cheerleaders and decided to shoot up the homecoming game." Yet all these comments read as if it is a well established fact that this was a gang related shooting. What news story did I miss?

Wilson Parent
Adreana, from the people I know close to these events it sounds like it was gang related and includes at least one of the other wounded victims. I hope the PD has more information than what they have released and are protecting these victims as witnesses. Should would be nice to get hard facts and not potential rumors. Most importantly I hope the Ross family can get some closure in having the person responsible pay for their crime.

Young Life
This news breaks my heart, and it only confirms the reason my husband and I are moving to Long Beach In January. We know there is an overwhelming need for the youth of LB to be loved and mentored and hopefully steered in a good direction versus one toward violence and poor choices. We work for a non profit organization called Young Life and it is our hope to pour love and hope into the lives of hurting teens in Long Beach so they can find direction and purpose. We are praying for Melody's family and everyone else who has been affected by this tragedy. Some others have posted on here the need to move away from the city because of its decline. But Long Beach is a GREAT city, filled with culture and beautiful people full of diversity and life. This is why we are intentionally moving there to be a catalyst for change amongst the broken youth. If you would like more information on Young Life feel free to email me at heathersanfordyl@gmail.com or check out www.younglife.org. Much Love to you all

Cousin
She was not "at the wrong place at the wrong time" those murders were the ones at the wrong place at the wrong time. This was my cousin's first football game ever. She and all the kids had every right to be there and to be safe at their school. Those 2 guys that got shot but survived knows something...why aren't they speaking? It's unfortunate that they survived when they were the intended targets cause they were the gang rivals of those two who murdered my cousin.

Long Beach News

LBPOST.com Managing Editor Ryan ZumMallen keeps up on all the current and breaking Long Beach news.

Ryan ZumMallen has served as the managing editor of the LBPOST.com since 2007. He graduated from CSULB with a degree in Print Journalism in 2008 and is a member of the 2009 class of Leadership Long Beach. You can find him on various basketball courts around the city.

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