Abducted Teen Fatally Shot by California Deputies in Gun Battle

Los Angeles, Apr 3 AP - A tragic incident unfolded on a Southern California highway when 15-year-old Savannah Graziano, who was kidnapped by her father, was fatally shot by San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies during a gun battle. The confrontation took place on Sept 27, 2022, amid a chaotic scene on a desert interstate east of Los Angeles in Hesperia. The teenager was attempting to surrender to the deputies when she was caught in the crossfire. Her father, 45-year-old Anthony Graziano, was also killed during the exchange of gunfire.

The deadly encounter occurred approximately 35 miles (55 km) north of Fontana, where Anthony Graziano had fatally shot his estranged wife and Savannah's mother, Tracy Martinez, just a day before. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department released audio and video clips related to the incident, including a detailed 15-minute video, in response to public records requests from The Associated Press and other media outlets.

For several months, it remained unclear whether Savannah Graziano's death was caused by her father or the responding deputies. However, the newly released video clarifies that both Savannah and Anthony Graziano "were struck by deputy rounds and died of their injuries." The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has not yet disclosed autopsy reports for Savannah, her father Anthony, or her mother Tracy Martinez. Additionally, the names of the deputies involved in the shooting have not been released.

The state Department of Justice is currently investigating the shooting but has referred media inquiries to their previous news release from 2022 without further comment. According to authorities, Savannah Graziano witnessed her mother's murder from the backseat of her father's pickup truck. Anthony Graziano reportedly exited the vehicle with a handgun and fired several shots at Martinez near an elementary school during morning drop-off, prompting students and parents to seek cover. He also fired at another parent and child near the school premises.

Following the shooting in Fontana, an Amber Alert was issued for Savannah Graziano as authorities launched a search for her. The incident has sparked discussions about law enforcement's response to such high-stakes situations and the tragic outcome of this particular case.