Hesperia, California – A tragic incident unfolded in Hesperia, California, when deputies fatally shot 15-year-old Savannah Graziano, who had reportedly been kidnapped by her father. The harrowing event took place on September 27, 2022, on the side of a highway in Hesperia. This heartbreaking incident stemmed from an earlier Amber Alert issued for Savannah, who was abducted by her father, Anthony Graziano, 45, following the killing of her mother by him.
The situation escalated when Sheriff Shannon Dicus described Anthony Graziano as being “armed and dangerous,” leading to a shootout and a subsequent car chase that resulted in a fatal encounter between law enforcement officers and the Grazianos. Despite initial reports suggesting that Savannah was a participant in shooting at the officers, newly released aerial footage obtained by the Riverside Press-Enterprise tells a different story.
The video footage shows Savannah following commands from the deputies, crouching down and staying still before approaching them. A closer examination of an audio recording reveals the deputy urging Savannah to exit the vehicle, showcasing the moments leading up to the tragic shooting of the young girl. The heartbreaking scene unfolds as Savannah takes steps towards the authorities before being fatally shot.
Following the shooting, deputies administered medical aid to Savannah, who was later taken to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Her father, Anthony Graziano, was pronounced dead at the scene. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the incident, which is currently under investigation by the Department of Justice. The circumstances surrounding Savannah’s death have raised questions and sparked further inquiries into the actions taken by law enforcement on that fateful day in Hesperia.