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Family of man killed by deputies in IE awarded nearly $52M, urges AG to file criminal charges
ABC7 Los Angeles • • nation
Key Points:
- A federal jury awarded Antonio Garza Jr.'s family $51.8 million, the largest police shooting settlement in California history, finding deputies Bill Abernathy and Nicholas Kridner liable for his death.
- Garza, who was experiencing a mental health crisis, was shot at least 12 times by deputies during a desert chase near the 10 Freeway, with evidence showing he was shot in the back and while in a fetal position.
- Garza's family alleges the shooting stemmed from a false arson claim and accuses law enforcement of attempting to cover up the incident.
- Despite the verdict, deputies Abernathy and Kridner remain employed and have been promoted within the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
- The family is urging California's attorney general to file criminal charges against the deputies and calls for better law enforcement training on handling mental health crises.
