Suspects Of Murder Of Long Beach Man, Arson Arrested

LONG BEACH, CA — Two men believed to be responsible for the death of a man who was found dead after a structure fire in Long Beach were arrested, police announced on Friday.

At about 6: 30 a.m. on March 13, the Long Beach Fire Department went to the 5300 block of Pine Avenue in response to a fire. While knocking down the fire, firefighters found 54-year-old Long Beach resident Willie Smith dead.

Homicide detectives and arson investigators responded to the scene to investigate Smith's death. Authorities later classified Smith's death as a homicide.

Through investigation, detectives identified Preston Jabari Prince, 31 of Long Beach, and Kevin Anthony Leslie Jr., 27 of Los Angeles, as suspects in the case.

Prince was arrested on Friday in Long Beach on suspicion of murder and a parole violation and is being held without bail. Leslie was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of murder and his bail was set at $2 million.

The motive for the murder is still under investigation, the Long Beach Police Department said.

Anyone who may have additional information was urged to contact homicide detectives Michael Hutchinson or Lisette Temblador at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 800-222-8477 or by visiting LACrimeStoppers.org.