The video reveals California police shot dead a kidnapped 15-year-old during the chase.
Newly released law enforcement footage has lifted the lid on a controversial police shooting in California that occurred two years ago. On September 27, 2022, San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies gunned down 15-year-old Savannah Graziano after cornering the car of her alleged kidnapper and father – Anthony Graziano.
The incident sparked outrage as Savannah was reportedly a kidnapping victim after Anthony shot her mother dead the previous day. Sheriff’s officials had refused access to camera evidence for over two years while changing narratives around unclear circumstances.
However, independent journalist Joey Scott has now accessed a dozen video clips, including helicopter shots reviewed by The Guardian newspaper. Footage shows deputies opened fire on Savannah as she exited the vehicle and followed their orders to move towards them, contradicting past police claims.
A high-speed chase had begun after Anthony’s car was spotted, with reports of gunfire exchanged. When Savannah emerged wearing tactical gear but without weapons, deputies could be heard instructing her to approach before opening rapid fire.
“Hey, stop shooting her,” a deputy is heard saying, realizing too late it was the 15-year-old victim. Savannah tragically succumbed to injuries in the hospital, while Anthony died on the scene of the shootout.
Amid recovered firearms and ammunition from the car, questions loom over who precisely fired shots during the pursuit. The California Department of Justice investigation aims to provide closure over the murky killing of a teen thrust into danger not of her doing.
