Fontana, California – Newly released law enforcement footage has shed light on the tragic death of a 15-year-old girl at the hands of California police. Savannah Graziano, who was reportedly a kidnapping victim, was fatally shot on September 27, 2022. The incident has sparked outrage across the nation.
Sheriff’s deputies in San Bernardino county were in pursuit of Savannah following reports that she had been abducted by her father, Anthony Graziano. Just the day before, Anthony had also fatally shot Savannah’s mother. The chase led to a fatal confrontation on the side of a freeway in Hesperia, 80 miles east of Los Angeles, where Savannah was shot by deputies.
Authorities had initially withheld the footage of the incident for about two years, claiming uncertainty over who fired the fatal shot – Savannah’s father or the deputies. However, newly released video files shared with independent journalist Joey Scott have revealed critical details.
The footage shows Savannah, who was unarmed but wearing tactical gear and a helmet, being instructed by deputies to get out of the vehicle. As she moved towards the deputies, multiple shots were fired, ultimately resulting in her death. The audio from the video captures a deputy shouting commands at her, indicating confusion among the law enforcement officers present at the scene.
Following the shooting, Savannah was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead. Her father, Anthony, died at the scene. The authorities recovered various weapons and tactical gear from their vehicle, sparking further questions about the circumstances leading to the fatal encounter.
The incident is currently under investigation by the California Department of Justice, as questions continue to arise over the events that led to the tragic outcome. The release of the footage has reignited discussions about police use of force and the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement actions. The community mourns the loss of a young life as they seek answers and justice for Savannah Graziano.