Joseph Patton Jr.

Joseph Patton Jr. was a devoted father, a beloved son, and a hardworking man focused on building a good life for his family. A 24-year-old Black man from Torrance, California, Joseph was known to his loved ones as "Jojo." He was remembered as a kind, gentle, and respectful soul who was outgoing and fun. His mother, Lisa Duhon, called him her heart and her firstborn, while his partner, Vashley Hamlin, described him as their family's protector. Joseph was the proud father of a 10-month-old son, also named Joseph, who was the love of his life. He worked as a Crew Leader for the Conservation Corps of Long Beach, where he had recently received a promotion. He had also just completed training to become a mechanic, another step in his dedicated effort to provide for his young family.

On the afternoon of August 17, 2017, Joseph was nearing the end of his shift with the Conservation Corps, working on a neighborhood beautification project in Long Beach. At around 2:30 p.m., as he was outside his work truck in the 900 block of East Dayman Street, an unknown person approached and shot him multiple times in the upper torso. Despite being gravely wounded, Joseph managed to get back into his vehicle and drive a short distance away. He traveled less than a block north before crashing into a parked car in the 1900 block of Myrtle Avenue.

Long Beach Police Department officers, responding to a call about the shooting, found Joseph inside the crashed vehicle. Paramedics rushed him to a local hospital, but his injuries were too severe. Joseph Patton Jr. was pronounced dead at 5:45 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County coroner. The police department immediately launched a homicide investigation, stating that the shooting was being investigated as possibly gang-related.

The investigation quickly led detectives to a residence of interest back on Dayman Street, near where the shooting occurred. Believing a suspect might be inside, officers surrounded the house and attempted to make contact with anyone within. When there was no response, the Long Beach Police Department's SWAT team was activated for a potential barricade situation. After several hours, SWAT officers deployed tear gas into the home. A woman exited the residence shortly after and was detained by police. Homicide detectives interviewed her, but she was later released, and no one else was found inside the house.

In the wake of the tragedy, Joseph's family was left devastated. His mother mourned the loss of her son, while holding onto the "good part" of him that lived on in his infant son. His partner lamented the loss of their protector, a man who was always there for his family. A GoFundMe page was created to help the family with funeral expenses and to provide for Joseph's child. The community rallied in support, sharing memories that highlighted the positive impact Joseph had on those who knew him.

As of February 2025, no arrests have been made in the murder of Joseph Patton Jr., and his case remains unsolved. The motive for the shooting is still unknown. The Long Beach Police Department continues to ask for the public's help in bringing closure to his family. Anyone with information is urged to contact Long Beach Homicide Detectives Mark Mattia, Adrian Garcia, or Donald Goodman at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).