Homeless man sentenced to 100 years to life for murder at North Long Beach encampment.
A homeless man has been sentenced to a term of 100 years to life in state prison following a conviction for the fatal shooting of another homeless individual in what was described by law enforcement as a case of mistaken identity. The sentencing took place on Monday, August 17, and is the culmination of a tragic incident that occurred in North Long Beach more than a year earlier.
Freddie Lamont Key Jr., aged 41, received his sentence after a jury found him guilty in late July of the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Dajuan Hunt. The encounter took place in October 2025 in an encampment located along train tracks in the 5300 block of Cherry Avenue. According to police and court records, Hunt was struck once in the chest and subsequently succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office.
During the preliminary hearing, witnesses provided critical testimony regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting. They reported that it was dark and visibility was limited; however, one witness identified Key’s voice prior to the gunfire when he allegedly asked, “Who’s that?” in reference to Hunt. Long Beach Police Detective Jared Asato recounted this testimony, which indicated that the inquiry preceded the tragic event.
An additional witness recounted that immediately after the gunshot, Key expressed regret by saying, “My bad,” suggesting he believed he had mistakenly targeted the wrong individual. He reportedly fled the scene thereafter, leaving uncertainty regarding his motivations for the shooting.
Prior to the incident, Hunt had entered the encampment accompanied by two women. Testimony indicated the group had intended to visit a friend’s house for dinner, illustrating the mundane social plans that were abruptly shattered by the violence that ensued.
The case underscores ongoing concerns surrounding public safety and violence within transient populations, as well as issues of mental health and substance abuse that often intersect within these communities. As authorities reflect on this incident, the implications reveal both the tragic consequences that can arise from misunderstandings and the pressing need for comprehensive support systems for vulnerable individuals.
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