Imani Keith, a 21-year-old woman from Long Beach, California, tragically lost her life on June 29, 2018. The incident occurred just after midnight when officers responded to reports of gunfire in the Carmelitos Housing Project area. Upon arrival, they found Keith inside a residence with a gunshot wound to her head. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, she succumbed to her injuries hours later.
The initial investigation did not immediately reveal a motive for the shooting, and the suspect was not identified at the time.
The case took a significant turn in March 2019 when Rodney Scott, who was already in custody for unrelated charges, was identified as the shooter. Scott was later charged with second-degree murder, along with multiple counts of burglary and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. During the investigation, it was discovered that Scott was also involved in a 2018 residential burglary in Los Angeles. Search warrants executed at various locations linked to Scott led to the recovery of stolen property, including a gold Rolex watch.
In October 2022, Rodney Scott was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison after pleading no contest to the charges. The sentence was doubled due to a prior conviction, and an additional 10 years were added for using a firearm in the commission of a felony. During the sentencing, Keith’s family members expressed their grief and the immense pain they endured throughout the legal proceedings. Keith’s mother, Ebony Cunningham, confronted Scott in court, emphasizing the profound impact of his actions on their lives.
The investigation also led to the arrests of several other individuals connected to the case. Nyla Hall, Richard Scott, Christina Collier, and Dana Moore were all arrested on suspicion of being accessories after the fact and for their involvement in the 2018 burglary. These arrests highlighted the broader criminal activities linked to Rodney Scott and his associates. The collaborative efforts of the Long Beach Police Department and other law enforcement agencies were crucial in bringing justice to Imani Keith and her family.
