Long Beach man killed by police stabbed 6, including wife

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- The investigation continues after Long Beach police shot and killed a man suspected of stabbing six people on Artesia Boulevard Friday night.

During the preliminary investigation, authorities learned that the stabbing spree started around 8:15 p.m. Friday at an apartment complex in the 3200 block of East Artesia Boulevard.

The suspect, later identified as Derrick Hunt, allegedly stabbed his 29-year-old wife, his wife's 25-year-old brother and a 24-year-old male neighbor at the complex. He then proceeded across the street to a convalescent home where he stabbed three more women, including a 23-year-old Bell Gardens resident, a 33-year-old Los Angeles resident and a 24-year-old Whittier resident.

When officers arrived on scene, panicked residents helped to point out Hunt's location, police said.

He was found nearby, armed with a knife. An officer-involved shooting took place, but it is unclear what led up to the shooting. Hunt was pronounced dead at the scene.

Five of the victims were transported to the hospital. One was treated at the scene for superficial wounds. Authorities could not give further information on the conditions of the victims.

Hunt's sister, Shawntris Leake, said she understood the police had to do their job, but was critical of how many shots were fired.

"I understand the police have to do their job because I work in mental health, but it don't take five bullets to get one person down. They could have used a rubber - anything - or tase him. It didn't take five bullets to take him down," she said.

Family and friends said Hunt was released from prison less than two weeks ago and that he had no history of mental illness. Hunt leaves behind two children.

Homicide detectives remained at the scene Saturday morning to continue the investigation. Artesia Boulevard was shut down between Downey Avenue and Paramount Boulevard.