Recently disclosed law enforcement video footage has brought to light the tragic incident in which an unarmed 15-year-old girl, Savannah Graziano, lost her life at the hands of California police. The heartbreaking event occurred on September 27, 2022. Savannah, who had been reported as a kidnapping victim, was fatally shot during the encounter.
San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies were actively searching for Savannah Graziano following reports that she had been abducted by her father, Anthony Graziano. Tragically, just a day prior, Anthony had fatally shot and killed her mother, Tracy Martinez, outside a school in Fontana.
Anthony Graziano’s car was cornered by deputies on the side of a freeway in Hesperia, approximately 80 miles east of Los Angeles. As Savannah Graziano stepped out of the vehicle, she was tragically shot and killed. This incident ignited widespread outrage across the nation, leaving many questioning the actions of law enforcement.
Sheriff’s officials withheld the video footage for approximately two years. Following the tragic incident, they asserted that the circumstances surrounding Savannah Graziano’s death were ambiguous: it remained uncertain whether her father, Anthony Graziano, was the one who fired the fatal shot, or if it was the deputies themselves. Additionally, they acknowledged that the deputies failed to recognize Savannah when she stepped out of the car.
Recently, a collection of approximately twelve video files related to the tragic incident involving Savannah Graziano has surfaced. These videos were shared with independent journalist Joey Scott and meticulously reviewed by The Guardian.
According to their analysis, the footage reveals that deputies shot Savannah as she advanced toward them, complying with their instructions. Additionally, the videos indicate that Savannah was shot subsequent to comments made by two officers identifying her as the girl they were seeking.
On September 26, 2022, law enforcement initiated a search for Savannah Graziano after her father committed a violent act. Her father, Anthony Graziano, fatally shot her mother outside a school in Fontana and also targeted another father and child. In response to this alarming situation, an Amber Alert was issued for 15-year-old Savannah Graziano, who was believed to have been abducted by her father.
Following the sighting of Anthony’s car, a high-speed and protracted pursuit ensued. During this intense chase, multiple gunshots were discharged, targeting both motorists and the pursuing deputies. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department initially asserted that Savannah was involved in shooting at their deputies.
Recently, a new department narrative, supported by released footage, indicates that the gunfire originated from the passenger side of the car. However, the specific identity of the shooter remains unclear.
As Savannah stepped out of the truck, she donned tactical gear and a helmet, though she remained unarmed. She promptly lowered herself to the ground. Subsequently, she advanced toward the deputies. The department made public an audio recording that captured a deputy urgently yelling, “Passenger, exit the vehicle! Passenger, exit the vehicle!” and calling out, “Hey, come to me, come to me.”
According to the video, while this specific deputy instructed Savannah to approach him, other deputies positioned at different vantage points perceived only an individual exiting the vehicle. It was at this moment that they discharged their weapons.
Police shoot unarmed 15 year old Savannah Graziano to death after she was the victim of a kidnapping. An officer can be heard yelling "stop shooting her" pic.twitter.com/H3mksziuBL
— 9mmSMG (@9mm_smg) April 2, 2024
“Oh no,” exclaimed one deputy immediately after the shots were fired. The deputy who had instructed Savannah to approach him urgently called out, “Hey, stop, stop shooting her! He’s in the car. Stop.”
According to the video account, “You can hear him calling her over and instructing other deputies that the individual who stepped out of the truck was the passenger, and they should cease firing. However, it was too late.”
Savannah was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. Anthony, on the other hand, lost his life at the scene during the intense exchange of gunfire. Law enforcement officials retrieved an assortment of firearms, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, flash bangs, and smoke grenades from the vehicle.
Additionally, they discovered body armor and tactical helmets. The California Department of Justice is currently conducting an investigation into this tragic incident.
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