LONG BEACH – A suspect in the 2021 killing of a man at a Long Beach homeless encampment was behind bars Friday on murder and conspiracy charges.
Andrew Reyna, 47, of Lakewood, was arrested Wednesday at a motel in Lynwood, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
Reyna is suspected in the Jan. 10, 2021, killing of 64-year-old Samuel Villalba, who was shot around 8:10 p.m. that day at a homeless encampment in the 2300 block of East 68th Street, adjacent to the Artesia (91) Freeway, police said.
Police said the victim had been shot multiple times in the upper body in a possibly gang-related attack. Witnesses at the scene described at least two men fleeing the scene on foot toward Cherry Avenue.
It was unclear what led investigators to Reyna, and there was no immediate word on a motive for the killing.
Reyna pleaded not guilty Thursday to one count each of murder and conspiracy to commit a crime, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
He remains jailed on $2 million bail pending his next appearance Nov. 14 in a Long Beach courtroom.
Anyone with information regarding the killing was urged to contact Detectives Oscar Valenzuela or Leticia Gamboa at 562-570-7244. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
