Fight Between Roommates Led To 50-Year-Old's Murder, Police Say

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach Police Tuesday identified a suspect in connection to the discovery of a body inside an apartment last week, authorities announced.

The Long Beach Police Department Special Investigations Division located and arrested Saleem Omom Smith, who authorities said was the victim's roommate. Smith was arrested on July 31 near the 1700 block of Magnolia Avenue on suspicion of murdering his roommate Marcus George.

"Detectives believe George and Smith were roommates and involved in a dispute, which escalated into a fight and resulted in George’s death," LBPD said in a statement.

According to LBPD, officers received a report of a man unresponsive in an apartment in the 1700 block of Magnolia Avenue. When officers arrived, they said they found George lying on the floor with several injuries to his upper body.

Long Beach Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and determined George dead.

Smith was booked into Long beach City Jail and his bail was set at $2 million.

Anyone who may have any additional information was urged to contact homicide detectives Leticia Gamboa or Oscar Valenzuela at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 800-222-8477 or online at LACrimeStoppers.org.