2 Arrested in Deadly Long Beach Shooting Near Railroad Tracks

Suspects Josh Porras and Maria Gomez booked on murder charges with $2 million bail each

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Two people have been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting in early January that left a 32-year-old man dead near the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in Long Beach, California. Josh Porras, 50, and Maria Gomez, 41, both of Long Beach, were taken into custody on Thursday and booked at the Long Beach Jail for murder, with bail set at $2 million each.

Why it matters

Violent crimes near railroad tracks and other infrastructure are concerning for public safety, and this incident highlights the need for increased security measures and community engagement to prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to police, the shooting occurred on January 12 around 7:30 p.m. in the 2300 block of E. Artesia Boulevard near the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Officers arrived at the scene and found the victim, 32-year-old Steven Vejar, suffering from a gunshot wound. Vejar was transported to a nearby hospital but did not survive. Police have not disclosed a motive for the shooting.

  • The shooting occurred on January 12, 2026 around 7:30 p.m.
  • Porras and Gomez were arrested on Thursday, February 6, 2026

The players

Josh Porras

A 50-year-old resident of Long Beach who was arrested and booked on murder charges.

Maria Gomez

A 41-year-old resident of Long Beach who was arrested and booked on murder charges.

Steven Vejar

The 32-year-old victim who was fatally shot near the railroad tracks.

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What’s next

The judge will determine if Porras and Gomez will be granted bail at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures and community-based solutions to address violent crime near critical infrastructure like railroad tracks, in order to improve public safety.