The Blotter

The Times' criminal justice team looks behind the scenes and behind the headlines.

October 23, 2009 at 1:36 PM

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Transient sentenced to prison for slaying at homeless camp

Van Truong, the 54-year-old Renton man who shot and killed another man at a homeless encampment off Interstate 5 in Seattle last year, was sentenced this afternoon to 15 years in prison for second-degree murder.

Major Lee Gay, 51, was killed on Sept. 11, 2008, during a fight over a woman, according to court charging papers. Gay's body was discovered off an access road near the 1100 block of South Atlantic Street, south of the Interstate 90 on-ramp, in an area known as "the jungle." The area is a popular encampment for transients.

Residents of the homeless encampment and acquaintances of Truong pointed him out as the gunman, Seattle police said.

Troung, speaking through an interpreter during his sentencing hearing, said he is sorry for killing Gay. "I am begging for your leniency so I can have this opportunity to be with family," he said.

Gay's family lives in Louisiana and did not appear in court.

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I know it sucks that a man was killed, but... Major Lee Gay?? I don't have the words.. Posted on October 23, 2009 at 5:41 PM by bnice. Jump to comment

Unspoken, I think for your answer you would have to figure out when Americans started using Major as an adjective as well a noun. Maybe when he... Posted on October 23, 2009 at 3:28 PM by The Last Templar. Jump to comment

dude was murdered, mellow out. Posted on October 23, 2009 at 4:33 PM by masgroovy. Jump to comment

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The Blotter

Transient sentenced to prison for slaying at homeless camp

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