Suspect In 2023 Long Beach Park Slaying Arrested

LONG BEACH, CA — A 23-year-old man already serving time in prison time in an assault case was booked into Long Beach City Jail this week on suspicion of a 2023 murder.

According to the Long Beach Police Department, Joseph Ballard of Long Beach was booked on an outstanding murder warrant in connection with the Oct. 22 death of 33-year-old Thomas Ferguson of Fontana, who was shot in 14th Street Park.

"Detectives believe Ballard was involved in an altercation with Ferguson that escalated into a shooting," according to a police statement. "At this time, it is unknown if they previously knew each other."

Multiple people were believed to have been in the area near 14th Street and Palmer Court when shots were fired, and detectives were still seeking the public's assistance for additional information.

The exact motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

According to police, Ballard was arrested Nov. 17, 2023, for an unrelated crime and was later sentenced to state prison. According to court records, he pleaded no contest to a charge of assault with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to two years in prison. Details of that crime were not immediately available.

Ballard was charged on Feb. 7 with murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the Long Beach killing.

Anyone with additional information regarding the shooting was urged to contact LBPD detectives Jesus Espinoza or Alfredo Chairez at 562-570-7244. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.

City News Service