Suspect arrested in connection with fatal shooting of 17-year-old girl in Long Beach

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old Long Beach girl who was killed while walking home.

Authorities say the suspect is 34-year-old Troy Lamar Fox of Long Beach, who is accused of killing Briana Soto in March.

Authorities said they examined DNA, video and cellphone evidence to identify Fox, who it turned out was already in the custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office on another weapons charge.

According to the Long Beach Press-Telegram, Soto was on her way home on the evening of March 26 and was on the phone with her mother. She was shot shortly after hanging up, just steps from her door near 11th Street and Lewis Avenue, the newspaper quoted police as saying.

“Briana Soto was only 17 years old when she was tragically separated from her family,” Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish said in a statement Friday. “We will work closely with our partners throughout the criminal justice system to ensure Briana and her family receive the justice they deserve.”

In comments to local television stations, those who knew Soto described her as kind and hardworking.

In addition to his arrest in connection with Soto's killing, Fox was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with another shooting that occurred in April near the 1300 block of Pine Avenue.