In September 2022, 15-year-old Savannah Graziano was fatally shot by Southern California deputies in Hesperia. The teen had been the subject of an Amber Alert after her father, Anthony Graziano, allegedly abducted her following the murder of her mother. Deputies believed the father to be armed and dangerous, leading to a shootout and car chase that resulted in Savannah’s death. Newly released video footage shows Savannah following deputies’ commands before she was shot.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus initially stated that the deputies opened fire on the car after someone in “tactical gear” came out and ran towards them. He also mentioned that Savannah was a “participant in shooting at” the deputies. However, the aerial footage obtained by the Press-Enterprise shows Savannah crouching down and following commands before approaching the deputies. The audio recording by the closest deputy also captures him instructing Savannah to come out of the vehicle before she was shot.
Despite the deputy’s commands and Savannah’s compliance, she was fatally shot as she approached the deputies. The video and audio recordings depict the chaotic and tragic events that unfolded on the side of the highway in Hesperia. Following the shooting, deputies began providing medical aid to Savannah, but she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Her father, Anthony Graziano, was pronounced dead at the scene as well.
The shooting of Savannah Graziano by Southern California deputies has sparked outrage and raised questions about the use of deadly force in law enforcement encounters. The incident is currently under investigation by the Department of Justice, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has yet to comment on the matter. The tragic events surrounding Savannah’s death have left her family and the community devastated as they seek justice and accountability for the actions of the deputies involved. The release of the video footage and audio recordings sheds new light on the circumstances leading up to the fatal shooting of the 15-year-old girl.
The shooting of Savannah Graziano highlights the dangers and complexities of law enforcement encounters, especially when minors are involved. The tragic incident has brought attention to the need for improvements in police training and protocols to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The community’s demand for transparency and accountability in cases of police-involved shootings is reflected in the ongoing investigation by the Department of Justice. As the family and loved ones of Savannah continue to mourn her loss, they are advocating for justice and reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially children, during law enforcement interactions.
