Hesperia, California – A tragic high-speed chase-turned-standoff that took place in 2022 along a Southern California highway resulted in the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old girl named Savannah. The incident unfolded as law enforcement officials pursued Anthony Graziano, 45, who had kidnapped his daughter after being suspected of killing his estranged wife. Newly released audio recordings from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department shed light on the chaotic encounter, where deputies instructed Savannah to exit the vehicle moments before she was fatally shot.
The circumstances surrounding Savannah’s death have raised questions and drawn scrutiny to the actions of the responding law enforcement officers. The California Department of Justice is currently investigating the shooting to determine if proper protocols were followed by the deputies involved. The sheriff’s department has refrained from commenting further on the case, deferring inquiries to the state DOJ.
Initial reports following the September 27, 2022, shooting suggested that Savannah may have fired at deputies during the confrontation with her father. However, audio and video recordings from the scene provide conflicting perspectives on the events leading up to the tragic outcome. The footage captures a frantic scene as Graziano led law enforcement on a dangerous chase, firing at patrol cars and reaching speeds exceeding 113 mph.
As the chase culminated in a firefight, Savannah, wearing protective gear, exited her father’s vehicle only to be met with a barrage of gunfire from deputies. Despite attempts to call off the shooting, Savannah was tragically wounded and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Graziano, too, succumbed to injuries sustained during the altercation.
The release of the footage from the Graziano shooting comes in the wake of another incident involving the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, where deputies shot and killed a 15-year-old boy with autism. The department has faced criticism and backlash for its handling of these fatal encounters, sparking community outrage and calls for accountability.
In the ongoing investigation into Savannah’s death, authorities are grappling with the conflicting narratives presented in the recordings, highlighting the challenges of discerning the truth in high-stress situations. The tragic outcome of the standoff serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities and risks involved in law enforcement operations, prompting a closer examination of policies and procedures governing the use of lethal force.