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Deputies Will Not Face Charges in Freeway Shootout that Killed Teen and Father
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA – Sheriff’s officers involved in a deadly 2022 gunfight along a California freeway, which resulted in the deaths of a teenage girl and her fugitive father, will not be criminally prosecuted. California Attorney General Rob Bonta made the announcement on Friday, concluding the investigation into the tragic incident.
California Department of Justice Report Released
Attorney General Bonta released the California Department of Justice (DOJ) report detailing the findings of the investigation. The inquiry included interviews with law enforcement personnel, eyewitnesses who were driving on the freeway during the event, and relatives who described the close bond between the man and his daughter.
Bonta characterized the event as a devastating ordeal with a sorrowful conclusion.
“This report was exceptionally difficult to issue, and it is my sincere hope that it provides the community with the answers they have been seeking,” Bonta stated. “The California Department of Justice is committed to collaborating with law enforcement to cultivate a fair and just legal framework, guaranteeing that the rule of law is maintained, and justice is accessible to all.”
Video Footage of the Incident
Video and audio evidence made public by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department showed 15-year-old Savannah Graziano being fatally shot as she moved towards deputies amidst a barrage of gunfire on September 27, 2022. The video, recorded by a sheriff’s helicopter and civilian dash cameras, was disclosed in 2024 following public records requests from The Associated Press and other news organizations.
Amber Alert and Freeway Pursuit
According to the DOJ review, 45-year-old Anthony Graziano abducted his daughter after fatally shooting 45-year-old Tracy Martinez, his estranged wife. Martinez was killed as she attempted to escape from Graziano’s pickup truck. Authorities indicated that the teenager was present in the vehicle when her mother was shot, prompting the issuance of an Amber Alert.
San Bernardino County deputies located Graziano’s truck the following day, initiating a 41-mile chase on Interstate 15. Officials reported that Anthony Graziano fired numerous shots at deputies from the back and passenger windows of the truck during the pursuit. Audio recordings from deputies’ body-worn cameras captured the sound of bullets striking patrol vehicles. One deputy sustained gunshot wounds to his arm and hands.
Gunfire and Investigation Details
Authorities reported that gunfire continued from Graziano’s truck after he drove off the freeway onto an embankment. Investigators discovered approximately 65 spent shell casings and four firearms inside the vehicle. The investigation also revealed that 21 deputies returned fire during the confrontation.
The DOJ report detailed that the vehicle stopped, and the teenage girl, equipped with a tactical helmet and vest, exited the passenger side door and initially crouched down. She then stood up and walked toward a deputy as he called out to her. As she raised her right hand, other deputies discharged their weapons, according to the report’s findings.
Fatalities and Autopsy Findings
Anthony Graziano was found deceased in the driver’s seat. An autopsy determined his cause of death to be a gunshot wound to the head, with additional gunshot injuries to his shoulder, lower back, and leg. A toxicology analysis revealed the presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine, morphine, and hydrocodone in his system.
Toxicology reports indicated no presence of drugs or alcohol in Savannah Graziano’s system. Her death was attributed to gunshot wounds.
Gunshot Residue Analysis
Gunshot residue was detected in samples collected from the hands of both Savannah and Anthony Graziano. The report explained that gunshot residue can be deposited by firing a weapon, being near a discharging firearm, or handling firearms or ammunition.
The report stated that “no definitive conclusion” could be reached from the residue testing regarding whether Savannah or her father fired a weapon. However, investigators attempted to recreate shooting positions within the truck, considering powder burns from a rifle found in the vehicle. They determined it would have been impossible for the driver to fire the rifle and maintain control of the vehicle’s pedals simultaneously.
Legal Justification for No Charges
Prosecutors stated in the report that evidence suggested deputies reasonably believed both Graziano and his daughter—who had firearms experience and training with her father—posed an imminent threat, justifying the use of lethal force.
Family Background and Circumstances
Family members informed authorities that Anthony Graziano had been living in his truck, and Savannah frequently stayed with him, sleeping in the vehicle near a park. They indicated that the teenager was emotionally distressed about her parents’ divorce.
Recommendations and Sheriff’s Department Actions
The DOJ report included recommendations concerning training protocols and policies for dash-mounted and body-worn cameras. The Attorney General’s Office confirmed that the Sheriff’s Department has implemented the training recommendations since the incident.