On September 26, 2022, 15-year-old Savanna Graziano was tragically killed in a series of violent events that began with the murder of her mother, Tracy Martinez, in Fontana, California. The incident started when Savanna's father, Anthony Graziano, fatally shot Tracy Martinez outside her home. Witnesses reported seeing Savanna in the back of her father's truck during the shooting.
Following the murder, Anthony Graziano fled with Savanna, prompting an Amber Alert.
The following day, on September 27, 2022, a 911 caller spotted Anthony Graziano's vehicle in the Barstow area, leading to a high-speed chase with law enforcement. During the pursuit, shots were fired from Anthony's vehicle towards the deputies. The chase ended in Hesperia, California, where Anthony's truck became disabled, and a shootout ensued. During the shootout, Savanna, who was unarmed, exited the vehicle and ran towards the deputies. Despite following instructions to move towards a deputy, she was tragically shot and killed by the officers. Anthony Graziano was also killed in the shootout.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department initially claimed that Savanna was a participant in the shootout and was wearing body armor, although video footage of the incident was unclear. The California Department of Justice launched an investigation into the shooting, as required by state law for all police shootings involving unarmed civilians. This investigation aimed to determine the circumstances surrounding Savanna's death and whether the use of lethal force by the deputies was justified.
The case drew significant media attention and public scrutiny, particularly regarding the actions of the deputies and the tragic loss of a young life. The investigation by the California Department of Justice was ongoing, with the goal of providing a thorough and transparent examination of the events leading to Savanna Graziano's death.
