Fontana, California – Newly released law enforcement footage has shed light on the tragic death of 15-year-old Savannah Graziano, who was fatally shot by California police on September 27, 2022. The young girl, who was a reported kidnapping victim, was gunned down after deputies cornered her father, Anthony Graziano, on the side of a freeway in Hesperia, 80 miles east of Los Angeles.
Deputies had been searching for Savannah following reports that she had been abducted by her father, who had also killed her mother just a day before. The situation escalated when Anthony’s car was spotted, leading to a high-speed chase and gunfire exchanged between deputies and the suspect.
The newly released video footage, obtained by independent journalist Joey Scott and reviewed by The Guardian, shows Savannah exiting the vehicle wearing tactical gear but unarmed. As she followed deputies’ instructions and moved towards them, she was fatally shot. The footage also captures the chaotic scene as deputies realized their mistake after opening fire.
Despite initial claims by sheriff’s officials that it was unclear who shot Savannah, the video evidence points to law enforcement officers firing the fatal shots. The tragic incident has sparked outrage nationwide, prompting further scrutiny into the actions of the deputies involved.
Following the shooting, Savannah was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead. Her father, Anthony, was killed at the scene during the shootout. Authorities recovered various firearms, ammunition, and tactical gear from the vehicle, highlighting the dangerous nature of the situation. The California Department of Justice is currently investigating the incident to determine the sequence of events leading to Savannah’s death.
The released video footage has raised questions about law enforcement’s handling of the situation and the use of deadly force in high-stress scenarios. As the investigation unfolds, the public demands answers and accountability for the tragic loss of a young life in Fontana, California.