The “suicide” death of a Long Beach man is now a homicide investigation, authorities say

The death of a 72-year-old Long Beach man is being investigated as a homicide after authorities initially suspected he died by suicide.

The city’s fire and police departments responded to a call reporting a fire and possible suicide in the 4700 block of Greenmeadow Road around 8:22 p.m. Friday. Upon entering the home, officials found the homeowner lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his upper body.

The man, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene, Long Beach police said in a statement edition Tuesday. Police initially thought the man had shot himself.

But as the investigation continued, detectives working with the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner discovered that the shot was not self-inflicted. Police say homicide detectives are now investigating.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact detectives at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling (800) 222-8477.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.