Police Kill California Stabbing-Spree Suspect; Some Victims Remain Hospitalized

Family members of a man who was suspected of stabbing six people in Long Beach, California, on Friday night before being shot dead by police say they were surprised by news of the attack. The suspect, identified as Derrick Lee Hunt, 28, stabbed his wife and five other people around 8 p.m. Friday, police said.

The suspect’s sister, Shawntris Leake, said the attack was “completely out of character. My brother would give you the shirt off his back.” She described him as "goofy" and "outgoing," saying that they had spent time together earlier in the day, eating at McDonald's and “playing with the kids. Completely no signs of physical aggression at all.”

Investigators say Hunt stabbed his 29-year-old wife, her 25-year-old brother, and a 24-year-old neighbor in an apartment complex before crossing the street and stabbing three female employees of a convalescent home.

Reports of a stabbing in progress on East Artesia Boulevard brought officers to the scene around 8:30 p.m., where police reportedly confronted and shot the suspect. ABC News also reports that a knife with a 7-inch blade was found.

Five victims reportedly remained hospitalized in stable condition and one was treated at the scene for minor injuries, police said.