Newly released video and audio files suggest that Savannah Graziano, who passed away during a confrontation on the 15 Freeway in Hesperia in September 2022, was harmed by San Bernardino cops as she appeared to be surrendering.
The video reveals that Savannah complied with cops’ instructions and did not support their previous claim that she was wearing tactical gear when they took action.
Key Takeaways
- Amiee Luana Akpulonu, mother to Savannah’s best friend, believed that if Savannah did fire shots, her father, Anthony, likely coerced her into it.
- Reddit users advocated for disarming the police due to a recurring pattern of brutality against the communities they’re meant to protect.
- Authorities initially claimed that Savannah was not present during her mother, 45-year-old Tracy Martinez’s homicide, and was later abducted by her father, Anthony John Graziano.
Savannah is seen slowly approaching officers along the 15 Freeway in Hesperia in the footage.
Suddenly, gunfire breaks out, and she is obscured from view as officers fatally harm her.
A deputy is heard pleading for them to stop the firing after noticing that Savannah is unarmed and the real threat is inside the car.
Savannah Graziano Wikipedia On Rise After The Release Of New Video
Friends of Savannah and her mother stated that the 15-year-old they knew didn’t match the descriptions provided by law enforcement.
Authorities claimed she fired at deputies while allegedly kidnapped by her father, who was suspected of taking the life of her mother.
* (Disclaimer: This video content is intended for educational and informational purposes only) *
Hesperia, California — On September 27, 2022, an amber alert out of Fontana was issued for 15-year-old Savannah Graziano. The amber alert was issued out of concern she was taken by… https://t.co/fN3EOnjinG
— Zero (@KoolZeroHero) April 1, 2024
Amiee Luana Akpulonu, mother to Savannah’s best friend, believed that if Savannah did fire shots, her father, Anthony, likely coerced her into it.
Akpulonu described Savannah as a wonderful person, one of the best she’d ever met.
Reddit Users Are Furious Over Cops Firing On Savannah Graziano
One Reddit user claimed the story was misrepresented, saying Savannah was involved in everything.
They alleged she was wearing tactical gear and shooting at people, according to non-police witnesses.
Sheriff’s officials initially stated after the shooting that it wasn’t clear if deputies or her father shot Savannah.
They also mentioned that deputies didn’t recognize her when she exited the car. They withheld the footage of the incident for almost two years.
So, some advocated for disarming the police due to a recurring pattern of brutality against the communities they’re meant to protect.
They argue that fear isn’t a justification for taking lives, especially for police authorities.
The Loss Of Savannah Graziano And Her Parents Is A Devastating Tragedy
Authorities initially claimed that Savannah was not present during her mother, 45-year-old Tracy Martinez’s homicide, and was later abducted by her father, Anthony John Graziano.
However, police spotted Savannah inside the truck shortly before the firing started in a video.
Witnesses did not observe Savannah leaving the vehicle as Martinez attempted to flee, and Graziano, Savannah’s estranged husband, exited the truck with a weapon.
Martinez identified her killer as Graziano before passing away but didn’t mention her daughter’s presence.
Family members informed investigators about the ongoing divorce between the couple. Martinez was rushed to the hospital but didn’t survive.
FAQs
How many siblings did Savannah Graziano have?
She had a younger brother. He informed investigators that they grew up around weapons.
What happened following the Amber Alert issued for Savannah Graziano and her father Anthony Graziano?
Authorities responded to a 911 call reporting a sighting of the white pickup truck mentioned in the Amber Alert driving on the 15 Freeway near Barstow.
What occurred during the police response to the sighting of the truck?
Police initiated a pursuit of the vehicle. According to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, Anthony Graziano, the father, fired at deputies from the rear of the car, continuously shooting during the chase.
