On September 27, 2022, in Hesperia, California, police officers fatally shot Savannah Graziano, a 15-year-old girl believed to have been kidnapped by her father, Anthony Graziano, following the murder of her mother. The incident occurred during a freeway confrontation after a reported Amber alert for Savannah's abduction.
Initially, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department was ambiguous about who shot Savannah, suggesting it could have been her father. However, recently released footage to journalist Joey Scott reveals deputies shot her as she followed their commands, contradicting earlier statements and indicating a lack of clarity during the operation.
The footage, including helicopter videos, shows Savannah exiting the vehicle and approaching deputies before being shot. This release, after a persistent refusal for nearly two years, has intensified scrutiny over the department's conduct, already criticized for other controversial use of force incidents.
Critics argue the department's tactics are overly aggressive, lacking proper coordination and training for high-stress situations, resulting in unnecessary deaths. The California Department of Justice is investigating as the case adds to a growing concern over police actions in San Bernardino County, marked by recent incidents of excessive force and questions over police accountability and training in crisis situations.
Link: The Guardian
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