In September 2022, a Californian teenager was kidnapped by her father, later leading to her death during a police intervention. Video footage recently disclosed contradicts the authorities’ initial reports, showing that the girl was not dressed in combat attire, as was originally reported, when she was fatally shot by officers while complying with their commands.
On March 29, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department of California publicized video and audio evidence pertaining to the shooting of Savannah Graziano, a 15-year-old, in Hesperia, California, which occurred in 2022.
The tragic events started on September 26, 2022, with Savannah’s mother’s murder by her father, Anthony Graziano, 45, in Fontana, San Bernardino County, California. Following the murder, Graziano abducted Savannah, leading to a fatal police encounter two days later.
The situation escalated after a tip-off led to the identification of Graziano’s pickup truck. A high-speed chase ensued down Interstate 15, ending in Hesperia, a desert city in California. Graziano reportedly fired at the pursuing officers, injuring one with shrapnel. Initial reports also suggested that shots were fired from the passenger side of the vehicle, where Savannah was located.
As the chase came to an end, the vehicle was surrounded by officers. A sheriff’s office helicopter recorded Savannah exiting the truck and lying on the road in compliance with the officers’ commands. However, deputies fired at Savannah as she moved toward them, following their instructions. The gunfire stopped when a deputy acknowledged the error, but it was too late for Savannah, who was transported to a hospital where she was later declared dead. Anthony Graziano also lost his life in the crossfire.
In response to the incident, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus called for a state Attorney General’s Office investigation in line with Assembly Bill 1506, which requires state examination of police shootings resulting in the death of unarmed civilians.
The incident has led to discussions about law enforcement protocol and the unfortunate outcome of a rescue operation turned fatal.
Savannah Graziano, who was home-schooled and enjoyed outdoor activities, video games, and spending time with her family and dog, is remembered in her obituary. Her death has sparked conversations about the need for enhanced police training and strategy, particularly in scenarios involving potential crime victims.
The California Attorney General’s Office is now in charge of the investigation, looking into whether the deputies involved in the shooting violated any policies or committed any crimes in their use of force. The investigation has been delayed due to a backlog at the Department of Justice and a ransomware attack on the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, which has made evidence-sharing challenging.
