An ongoing investigation continues into a fatal hit-and-run incident that took place in Long Beach in 2022. The suspected individual, identified as Octavio Montano Islas, 26, is believed to be responsible for the deaths of a father and daughter duo, Jose Palacios-Gonzalez, 42, and his 3-year-old daughter, Samantha Palacios. The tragic incident occurred while the victims were asleep in their residence, situated on the intersection of Artesia Boulevard and Rose Avenue.
On March 1, 2022, around 10 p.m., surveillance footage revealed the suspects vehicle, identified as a 2014 Dodge Ram pickup truck, making a sharp turn at the corner before accelerating along Rose Avenue and colliding with the apartment where the victims were residing. The impact led to Joses immediate demise at the location of the crash. While Samantha was hurriedly transported to a medical facility, she did not survive her injuries.
The suspect, Islas, reportedly vacated the scene on foot and has eluded authorities since then. Based on their investigation, the Long Beach police surmise Islas may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
Official descriptions portray Islas as a man of approximately 5 feet 8 inches in height, weighing around 160 pounds, with distinctive tattoos on his right forearm. He currently has a warrant out for his arrest for two counts of felony manslaughter, one count of felony hit-and-run, and one count of felony driving under the influence.
In an attempt to apprehend Islas, a reward of $20,000 was issued in August 2025 by the Los Angeles County Supervisors Office. This reward was extended further on November 4, 2025. The police request anyone with information to contact Scott Jenson, at the Long Beach Polices Detective Division.
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