How Chase Powell Killed His Son And Himself After Shooting His Wife in Long Beach, CA
Long Beach, CA – A tense standoff between police and a man suspected of killing his wife ended in tragedy on Thursday, when the man and his 5-year-old son were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide.
The incident began on Wednesday night, when police received a call from a woman who said she had been shot by her husband, identified as Chase Powell, 32, at their home in Long Beach. The woman, whose name has not been released, was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Police said Powell fled the scene with his son, whose name was also withheld, and barricaded himself in a motel room in Long Beach. A SWAT team and crisis negotiators surrounded the motel and tried to communicate with Powell, but he refused to surrender or release his son.
According to police, Powell had a history of domestic violence and had a restraining order against him. He was also wanted for a parole violation and had multiple warrants for his arrest.
A Shocking Discovery
After hours of unsuccessful negotiations, police decided to force their way into the motel room around 9 a.m. on Thursday, using flash-bang grenades and a battering ram. They were met with a horrifying sight: Powell and his son were lying on the bed, both dead from gunshot wounds.
Police said they believe Chase Powell killed his son before turning the gun on himself. They recovered a handgun and several shell casings from the scene. They also found a note that Powell had written, but did not disclose its contents.
“It’s a very tragic situation,” said Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna at a press conference. “We have a mother who’s fighting for her life, we have a father who took his own life, and we have a 5-year-old innocent child who also lost his life.”
Luna said the motive for the shooting was unclear, but he speculated that it could have been related to Powell’s marital problems, legal troubles, or mental health issues. He said Powell had expressed suicidal thoughts in the past and had threatened to harm his son.
A Community in Mourning
The shocking incident has left the community in mourning, especially for the young boy who lost his life in such a senseless way. Neighbors, friends, and relatives of the family have expressed their grief and disbelief on social media and in interviews with local media outlets.
“He was such a sweet boy, always smiling and laughing,” said Jennifer Lee, who lived next door to the family. “He loved to play with my kids and ride his bike. He was always happy. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
Lee said she knew the couple had problems, but she never imagined that Chase Powell would do something so horrific. She said she heard gunshots on Wednesday night, but she thought they were fireworks. She said she was shocked when she saw police cars and ambulances outside her house.
“I wish I could have done something to help them,” she said. “I wish I could have saved that boy.”
A Call for Action
The tragic incident has also sparked a call for action from advocates and experts who work to prevent domestic violence and support its victims. They said the case highlights the need for more awareness, resources, and intervention to help those who are in abusive relationships or at risk of harming themselves or others.
“Domestic violence is a serious and pervasive problem that affects millions of people every year,” said Dr. Sandra Martin, a professor of psychology and director of the Center for Violence Prevention and Intervention at the University of California, Los Angeles. “It can have devastating consequences, not only for the victims, but also for their children, families, and communities.”
Martin said that domestic violence can escalate during times of stress, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased isolation, unemployment, and financial hardship for many people. She said that domestic violence can also be a risk factor for suicide, homicide, and murder-suicide, especially when firearms are involved.
She urged anyone who is experiencing or witnessing domestic violence to seek help as soon as possible, either by calling 911, contacting a local domestic violence agency, or reaching out to a trusted friend or family member. She also encouraged anyone who is having suicidal thoughts or knows someone who is to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
“We need to break the silence and stigma around domestic violence and mental health issues,” she said. “We need to let people know that they are not alone, that there is hope, and that there is help available.”
She also called for more funding and support for programs and services that provide counseling, shelter, legal assistance, and other resources for domestic violence survivors and their children. She said that prevention and intervention are key to saving lives and preventing tragedies like the one that occurred in Long Beach.
“We need to do more to protect and empower those who are in danger, and to hold those who are responsible accountable,” she said. “We need to do more to prevent domestic violence from happening in the first place, and to stop it from escalating to the point of no return.”
