The tragic incident involving the shooting death of a teenage girl, Savannah Graziano, by San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies has sparked outrage and raised questions about law enforcement’s use of force. The incident occurred during a gun battle on a Southern California highway on Sept. 27, 2022, as Savannah, who had been kidnapped by her father, was following a deputy’s instructions and appeared to be surrendering. The released video and audio clips show the chaotic scene that unfolded as deputies pursued the Grazianos’ pickup truck for 70 miles, with shots fired from both the driver’s and passenger’s side. The chase ended in Hesperia, where Savannah’s father had shot and killed her mother the day before.
In the video, Savannah is seen steps away from safety as she follows a deputy’s orders to exit the pickup truck and come towards him. However, as she starts toward the deputy, gunfire erupts from a higher elevation, leading to her tragic death. The deputy can be heard shouting for the shooting to stop, indicating that Savannah’s father was still in the car. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department had initially refused to disclose whether it was the father or the deputies who killed Savannah, but the recent video confirms that they were struck by deputy rounds, resulting in their deaths. The agency has not released autopsy reports or identified the deputies involved in the shooting.
Authorities have stated that Savannah witnessed her mother’s murder by her father but did not intervene, indicating a traumatic experience for the young girl. Her father, Anthony Graziano, had a history of violence, as he shot and killed his estranged wife near an elementary school during morning drop-off, endangering the lives of students and parents. The incident unfolded as the couple was going through a divorce, with Savannah choosing to leave with her father while her younger brother stayed with their mother. There were no previous reports of domestic violence or child abuse involving the Graziano family, making the sudden turn of events even more shocking.
Following the shooting, the state Department of Justice launched an investigation into the incident, as state law requires a review of any officer-involved shooting resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian. The video footage reveals the intense firepower involved in the pursuit, with multiple firearms, rounds of ammunition, and tactical gear recovered from the Grazianos’ pickup truck. The agency has not provided updates on the investigation, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the case. Questions remain about the deputies’ use of lethal force against a teenage girl who seemed to be complying with their orders.
The tragic death of Savannah Graziano has reignited debates about police shootings and the need for more stringent oversight of law enforcement agencies. The circumstances surrounding her killing, including the lack of body-worn cameras on the deputies involved, highlight the challenges in holding officers accountable for their actions. As the investigation continues, the community is demanding justice for Savannah and her mother, Tracy Martinez, whose lives were cut short in a senseless act of violence. The released video and audio clips provide a glimpse into the chaos of that fateful day and raise important questions about the use of force by law enforcement in high-pressure situations.
