Newly released video footage from a September 2022 shootout in San Bernardino County, California, has shed new light on the tragic death of 15-year-old Savannah Graziano, who was abducted by her father and later shot and killed by deputies. The video, obtained through a California Public Records Act request, appears to contradict earlier statements made by Sheriff Shannon Dicus regarding Savannah's actions and attire during the incident.
Savannah Graziano was kidnapped by her father, Anthony John Graziano, 45, on Sept. 26, 2022, after he allegedly shot and killed the girl's mother, Tracy Martinez, in Fontana. An Amber Alert was issued, describing Anthony Graziano as an "armed and dangerous" suspect. The following day, after a high-speed chase and a shootout with deputies, both Savannah and her father were dead.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Sheriff Dicus stated that a person believed to be Savannah had exited the passenger side of the vehicle wearing tactical gear and that evidence suggested she was a "participant in shooting at our deputies." However, the newly released aerial video tells a different story.
The footage shows Savannah getting out of the passenger side of the disabled pickup truck and slowly approaching deputies while crouched down, apparently following their commands. A deputy can be heard repeatedly yelling, "Passenger, get out! Come here! Come to me!" As Savannah rises and takes a few more steps toward the deputy, her body is blurred in the video, indicating the moment she was likely shot.
Notably, the video does not show Savannah wearing tactical gear or a vest, as previously claimed by Sheriff Dicus. Instead, she appears to be dressed in ordinary clothing as she obeys the deputies' instructions.
The deputy's belt recording, also released by the sheriff's office, captures the moments following the shooting. The deputy can be heard shouting, "Stop! Stop shooting her. He's in the car! She's OK! He's in the car. Stop!" This audio suggests that Savannah was complying with the deputy's orders when she was shot.
The new evidence has reignited concerns among Fontana residents who knew Savannah, with many expressing anger and frustration over the incident. Neighbor Mary questioned the initial account, stating, "She was on her knees. What could she do? In the beginning, they said she was running towards them. She was down on the ground... I got really pissed when I saw it last night, when they showed her crawling on the ground. That's not what I was told."
Other residents who spoke with FOX 11's Christina Gonzalez said the new video confirms their belief that Savannah did not pose a threat and hope the footage will be used to train other departments on how to handle similar situations more effectively.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has not responded to requests for comment on the newly released video. The California Department of Justice, which has taken over the investigation into the shooting, referred to its original statement when asked for comment.
As the investigation continues, Savannah's surviving family members are grappling with the tragedy, attempting to shield her younger brother from the distressing news. The release of this new video has reignited the conversation surrounding the use of force by law enforcement and the need for improved training and protocols to prevent such devastating outcomes.
