In an incident on the night of July 4th, two people were killed and three others injured during a neighborhood gathering in Huntington Beach, California. The attack took place in a residential area known for its palm tree-lined streets and proximity to the beach, famously called “Surf City USA.”
The county coroner removed two bodies from the scene on Friday morning. The crime scene was marked by a grassy median where evidence of the gathering, such as chairs, a cooler, and drink cans, remained. Remnants of fireworks were also scattered around the area. The attack happened less than two hours after the city’s fireworks display had concluded, roughly a mile away from the incident.
Suspect Arrested
A 26-year-old resident of Huntington Beach was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. City spokeswoman Jennifer Carey confirmed the arrest but provided no further details about the suspect or the nature of the attack, which has been described as an “assault with a deadly weapon.”
Residents and bystanders were shocked and saddened by the violence. Many on bicycles rode up to the crime scene tape on Friday morning to ask police and neighbors what had happened. Al Pacella, a resident, mentioned that he knew one of the victims and had briefly stopped by the gathering on his way home from a bar. He described the event as a casual neighborhood get-together with friendly and easygoing people.
Ongoing Investigation
The district attorney’s office had not yet received the case from the police by Friday morning but indicated that charges could be filed as early as Monday. A spokesperson for the Orange County coroner did not provide details about the victims’ fatal wounds, and the mayor of Huntington Beach did not respond to requests for comments.
This incident in Huntington Beach was part of a larger wave of violence across the country during the extended Fourth of July weekend. At least 18 other people were reported dead, including 11 in Chicago, with dozens more injured in various incidents nationwide.
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