By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Long Beach, CA – A day intended to celebrate community and the expansion of a beloved brand turned tragic on Sunday, March 1, 2026, when a violent shooting erupted outside the grand opening of the fourth Marathon Burger location in Downtown Long Beach. The incident, which occurred in the vicinity of the event, resulted in the death of one male adult and injuries to two others.
The Long Beach Police Department confirmed that homicide detectives are actively investigating the fatal shooting that took place in the 200 block of Pine Avenue. The violence unfolded around 3:32 p.m. as officers, who were already present due to the large gathering for the special event, heard an altercation. Their attention was drawn to the sound of gunshots originating from a nearby parking structure.
Upon responding to the scene, officers discovered a male adult victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical aid rendered by law enforcement and subsequent transport to a local hospital by Long Beach Fire Department personnel, the victim tragically succumbed to his injuries. His identity is currently being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.
Two additional victims, both described as male adults in their late teens to early 20s, were also found near the scene. They sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and were transported to a local hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities have stated that no suspect information is available at this time, and the motive behind the shooting remains under thorough investigation. Detectives are appealing to the public for assistance, believing there may be additional witnesses and crucial video evidence related to the incident. They are urging anyone with information to come forward and contribute to the ongoing investigation.
The Marathon Burger restaurant, a venture co-founded by the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, has been a symbol of community empowerment and entrepreneurial spirit. The opening of its fourth location in Long Beach was met with significant anticipation, drawing a considerable crowd to the downtown area. The event itself saw a notable turnout of supporters and even several high-profile celebrities, including Snoop Dogg, YG, and Stevie Wonder, who came out to show their solidarity and support for the brand and its mission.
The stark contrast between the celebratory atmosphere of the grand opening and the violent outbreak cast a somber shadow over the occasion. Eric VanDyke, identified as a relative of Nipsey Hussle, expressed his disappointment to ABC7 Eyewitness News, stating, "It was disappointing because I know that Nip, (Blacc) Sam wanted this to be a happy occasion, so it’s unfortunate that something happened that would bring more attention to the negative elements as opposed to the positive elements." His sentiments reflect the broader community’s desire to see such endeavors recognized for their positive impact.
This unfortunate incident occurred just one day after the city of Los Angeles officially honored Nipsey Hussle’s legacy by dedicating the intersection of Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard as "Nipsey Hussle Square." The street naming ceremony, held on Saturday, February 29, 2026, drew hundreds of fans and community members to South Los Angeles, celebrating the rapper’s profound influence on music and his dedication to his neighborhood. The juxtaposition of this heartfelt tribute with the violence in Long Beach underscores the ongoing challenges faced by communities striving to overcome cycles of violence.
The Long Beach Police Department is actively seeking any information that could shed light on this crime. Individuals with knowledge of the incident are encouraged to contact Homicide Detectives Eric Thai and Chasen Contreras at (562) 570-7244. For those who wish to provide information anonymously, tips can be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" mobile application from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or by visiting the official website at www.lacrimestoppers.org. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community are vital in bringing resolution to this tragic event and ensuring accountability.