Hekima Batiste, 37

Died July 18, 2011

Hekima Batiste, a 37-year-old black man, was stabbed to death Monday, July 18, in the 300 block of East 7th Street in Long Beach, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Officers were called to an apartment on reports of “unknown trouble,” about 1 a.m., according to a Long Beach Police Department report. They found Batiste bleeding from stab wounds. He later died from his wounds.

Police said Batiste and his wife had been married about a year and apparently had been having problems. Batiste forced his way into the apartment, authorities said, and his wife stabbed him.

After questioning the woman and other witnesses, detectives determined that she'd acted in self-defense and released her. The results of the investigation will be presented to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office for final determination.

Because the woman acted in self-defense and was a victim of domestic violence, her identity is protected under state law, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact homicide Dets. Scott Lasch or Donald Goodman at (562) 570-07244. Anonymous information can be submitted by visiting www.longbeach.gov/police.

— Sam Quinones