30YO Dad Shot and Killed in Front of His 7YO Son as They Sat in Car on Father's Day

In a horrifying instance, a man was murdered in front of his child on Father's Day. Thirty-year-old Leevi Matuni Maseuli from Palmdale was found inside a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. The father-of-two from California was rushed to a hospital where he died. His seven-year-old son was in the car when the fatal shooting occurred. "To commit such a heinous crime in any circumstance is unacceptable, but to do so on Father's Day in front of the victim's child is even more disgraceful. This blatant disregard for our community will not go unanswered and our investigators are working diligently to identify anyone involved in the victim's death," said Police Chief Wally Hebeish in a press release. "No child should ever have to endure an experience like this and I am asking the public to please speak up with any information, no matter how small, that could help us find those responsible for this callous act of violence."

Leevi's sister Shalia Maseuli has started a fundraiser to support the family during this difficult time. She described the father-of-two as "an amazing, kind-hearted, loving person," on the GoFundMe page. She is now trying to raise money for his funeral expenses and provide a cash reward for information that would lead to the shooter's arrest and prosecution. "My brother Leevi was tragically taken from us on Father's Day. He leaves behind two children, Leevi Jr "LJ" age 7 and Kalia age 1. He was a son, brother, father, and uncle. He is so very loved and will be forever missed," Shalia added. Speaking to Long Beach Post News, she shared, “Leevi was truly a family man. His family, his children, his friends, they meant everything to him. It doesn’t feel real. My brother was murdered in front of his 7-year-old son.” She continued, “We want answers. We want to know who did this to my brother and why.” The young boy is traumatized after losing his dad in such a horrifying way. “He’s so brave, but he’s also so sad,” Shalia said. “His dad is gone.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Michael Hubbard and Jesus Espinoza at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smartphone (available at the Apple app store or Google Play), or by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.

References:

https://www.longbeach.gov/police/press-releases/murder-investigation---4200-block-of-anaheim-street/

https://lbpost.com/news/crime/fathers-day-shooting-murder-long-beach

https://www.gofundme.com/f/leevi-maseuli

Cover Image Source: GoFundMe