Police Arrest Two Suspects in Connection of Musician Toko Tasi Murder

On Thursday, August 15, 2019, at 2:30 p.m., detectives responded to a residence in the 19100 block of East Mono Drive in the City of Hesperia, CA where they located and arrested two suspects in connection to the August 10, 2019 murder investigation. 

Detectives believe 43-year-old Thomas Arellaga of Long Beach is responsible for the shooting death of the victim, later identified as 45-year-old Tasi Malaki of Long Beach. He was booked for murder and is being held on $2,000,000 bail at the Long Beach City Jail.

Lorna Clemena, a 43-year-old resident of Long Beach, was also arrested in connection to the murder. Detectives believe Clemena was aware of the shooting, and attempted to protect Thomas Arellaga from arrest, trial, or conviction by concealing evidence related to the shooting. She was booked for accessory after the fact and is being held on $1,000,000 bail at the Long Beach City Jail.

Detectives conducted a search warrant at a residence in the 2400 block of San Francisco Avenue where evidence was recovered. 

Detectives anticipate presenting their case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office early next week for filing consideration.

Original Release 8/11/19 – 

On Saturday August 10, 2019 at 11:40 PM Long Beach Police Officers responded to the area of West Willow Street and Eucalyptus Avenue regarding a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a male adult.

Upon arrival officers located a male adult victim with gunshot wounds to his upper torso. The officers attempted life saving measures on the victim until the Long Beach Fire Department arrived. Fire personnel also attempted life saving measures on the victim, but subsequently determined him to be deceased.

Through their preliminary investigation, Homicide Detectives believe there was a dispute between the victim and suspect that subsequently resulted in the shooting. Witnesses describe the suspect as a male unknown who was last seen fleeing the location on foot.

The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Coroners Office.

Aside from the dispute prior to the shooting, the motive is currently unknown. Detectives are actively working to gather additional information through the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Long Beach Police Department Homicide Detectives Malcolm Evans or Robert Gonzales at (562) 570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.