Lawmakers, protesters want answers in shooting death of Andres Guardado by LA deputy
USA TODAY | by Jessica Flores, Ryan W. Miller, Lorenzo Reyes
Two Democratic lawmakers in California have called on their state’s attorney general to investigate the death of Andres Guardado, an 18-year-old killed by a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy last week.
Reps. Maxine Waters and Nanette Diaz Barragán called for an independent investigation as hundreds of people gathered Sunday near the site where Guardado was fatally shot.
“Another day, and another Black or Brown kid has been shot in the back by police,” said the representatives for Southern California districts. “These killings must stop.”
Authorities say the sheriff’s deputy who shot Guardado spotted him with a gun in front of a business near Gardena but do not believe Guardado fired the weapon. Capt. Kent Wegener said the gun had no serial number and was pieced together with various firearm parts. Wegener also said investigators are reviewing footage from multiple cameras near the scene.
The shooting took place in the back of the building, Wegener said. Guardado was shot in the torso, he said, adding that the medical examiner will perform an autopsy.