San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies involved in a 2022 freeway shootout in California that resulted in the deaths of a teenage girl and her fugitive father will not face any criminal charges, stated state Attorney General Rob Bonta.
The California Department of Justice conducted an investigation, which included officer and witness interviews, as well as insights from family members who shared that the man and his daughter had a notably close relationship. Bonta described the event as having a tragic situation with a tragic conclusion.
“This report was challenging to publish, and I truly hope it answers the community’s lingering questions,” Bonta noted in a statement. “The California Department of Justice is committed to collaborating with law enforcement to foster a fair and just legal environment where the rule of law is maintained, and justice is equally available to all.”
Video and audio evidence released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department showed Savannah Graziano, 15, being fatally shot while she approached deputies amidst heavy gunfire on September 27, 2022. The video footage, captured by a sheriff’s helicopter and other dashboard cameras, became publicly available in 2024 following requests through public records by media including The Associated Press.
The Department of Justice’s review detailed that 45-year-old Anthony Graziano fled with his daughter after shooting and killing Tracy Martinez, his 45-year-old estranged wife, during her attempted escape from his vehicle. The teenager was present inside the truck at the time of the shooting, prompting the issuance of an Amber Alert.
The following day, San Bernardino County deputies identified and pursued the vehicle for approximately 41 miles along Interstate 15. As Anthony Graziano drove, numerous shots were reportedly fired at deputies from the vehicle’s rear and passenger-side windows. Audio from deputies’ belt recorders captured the sound of bullets hitting patrol cars, and one deputy sustained gunshot injuries to his arm and fingers.
Authorities noted that shots continued to raid from Graziano’s vehicle even after it veered off the freeway onto an embankment. The truck was found to contain approximately 65 expended casings and four firearms, with 21 deputies having returned fire at the scene.
The report detailed that once the vehicle came to a halt, Kitted in a tactical helmet and vest, Savannah exited the front passenger seat, initially crouching on the ground before moving towards a deputy after he called out to her. She raised her right hand, prompting the other deputies to open fire.
The investigation found Anthony Graziano deceased in the driver’s seat, having succumbed to a head gunshot wound with additional injuries to his shoulder, back, and leg. Toxicology results revealed the presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine, morphine, and hydrocodone in his system.
No alcohol or drugs were found in Savannah Graziano’s system, and her death was attributed to gunshot wounds. Gunshot residue was detected on both the hands of the teen and her father. The report mentioned that such residue might result from firing, being near a discharging firearm, or handling firearms or ammunition.
Although no definitive conclusion was drawn from the residue analyses regarding who discharged firearms, investigators seeking to replicate shooting positions within the truck found that the driver could not manage both shooting the rifle and the vehicle’s pedals.
Prosecutors concluded that deputies reasonably believed both Graziano and his daughter presented an immediate threat, and that lethal force was justified. Relatives shared that Graziano often lived in his truck, with his daughter frequently accompanying him, spending nights in the truck near a park. They also conveyed her distress over her parents’ divorce.
Additionally, the report included suggestions regarding training and the implementation of dash and body-mounted camera policies. The attorney general’s office stated that the sheriff’s department had already put the recommended training changes in place following the incident.