Currently released footage discloses that a 15-year-old California teen, who was suspected of being abducted by her dad in September 2022, was fatally shot by deputies despite complying with their commands.
In contrast to former declarations by officials, the video does not describe the teenager wearing tactical gear.
Savannah Graziano was Abducted by Her Father
Savannah Graziano, 15, was kidnapped by her father, Anthony John Graziano, 45, after he supposedly killed her mom, as reported by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office at the time.
An Amber Alert was circulated for Savannah following her mother's killing, describing her dad as an "armed and dangerous" suspect.
The circumstances unfolded into a car chase and shootout when deputies situated Graziano's truck, resulting in the passing of both Savannah and her dad.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus initially stated that a person believed to be Savannah emerged from the vehicle wearing tactical gear and appeared to be involved in shooting at the deputies.
However, the recently released video contradicts this assertion, showing the teenager obeying deputies' instructions to approach them. Despite trying to reach the Graziano family for comment on the new video, no response was received.
The video shows the pickup truck reversing and then stopping on the roadside. A figure identified as Savannah exits the passenger side, appearing not to wear tactical gear.
She then approaches a patrol vehicle before pausing and crouching. Subsequently, she rises and takes a few more steps before the video blurs, likely marking the moment she was shot.
The deputy closest to Savannah is heard on a belt recording repeatedly instructing her to come towards him, and he shouts for the shooting to stop as she approaches.
Deputies Administered Medical Aid to Savannah
Deputies provided medical assistance to Savannah, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital, while her father died at the scene.
Both were struck by deputy rounds, according to an introduction to one of the videos. The California Justice Department took over the investigation, while the sheriff's office refrained from commenting further due to the continuing investigation.
The agency has not discharged autopsy reports for the teen, her dad, or her mom, Tracy Martinez, and has not revealed the names of the deputies included. A spokesperson for the agency did not answer a request for an opinion.
The state Department of Justice, accountable for investigating the gunfire, referred media queries to their 2022 news discharge and declined further opinion.
State law mandates the department to review any officer-including gunfire resulting in the passing of a helpless civilian.
Savannah Graziano witnessed her mother's killing from the backseat of her father's pickup truck but did not intervene, according to authorities. Her father had opened fire near an elementary school during morning drop-off, prompting students and parents to seek cover.
Anthony Graziano had moved out of the family home a month or two before the killing as the couple went through a divorce.
Savannah Graziano left with her father, while her younger brother stayed with their mother. There were no reports of domestic violence or child abuse.
An Amber Alert was issued for Savannah Graziano following the shooting in Fontana, though authorities later questioned whether she had willingly accompanied her father. The video released on Friday did not address this, only mentioning the issuance of an Amber Alert.
