New Video Shows Abducted Teen Killed By Deputies In Shootout

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA — Newly released video of a 15-year-old girl's final moments shows that she may have been trying to surrender to authorities and was not her father's accomplice in the shootout with deputies that killed her as previously stated by the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department.

The California Department of Justice is investigating the September 2022 incident in Hesperia and the aerial video of the deadly scene shot from a California Highway Patrol helicopter. On that deadly September afternoon, San Bernardino County deputies shot and killed both a Fontana teen, Savannah Graziano and her father, Anthony Graziano, after a prolonged gunbattle, according to an article released by KTLA Los Angeles. The shootout occurred after Graziano allegedly killed his estranged wife in Fontana and abducted his daughter.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus issued a statement explaining the department's delay in releasing the video.

"The DOJ investigation is ongoing, and we are unable to release further details of the investigation. As part of this investigation, the DOJ requested materials and evidence from the Department. In April 2023 the Department encountered a ransomware attack that delayed providing DOJ the requested information. As of March 29, 2024, all the requested information has been provided," she said.

"My hope is that this video will be watched in its entirety and provide insight into the unfortunate events that unfolded that day," added Dicus. "There has been speculation and misrepresentations about this case, and I would ask the public to allow the DOJ to complete its independent investigation before reaching a conclusion."

"The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in response to an SCNG public records request released a video showing deputies shooting to death a teenage girl who was apparently attempting to surrender after a rolling gun battle on the 15 Freeway into Hesperia," according to the Press Enterprise. "Savannah Graziano had been kidnapped by her father after the father shot his wife to death in Fontana. Anthony Graziano was also shot to death at the final confrontation in September 2022."

In the video, a deputy calls orders to the girl who was leaving the car, directing "come here!" and "Walk!" as gunfire erupted all around the scene. Shots continued, as he ordered other officers to stop firing, saying: "Stop! Stop Shooting her! He's in the car! Stop! She's okay!"

Savannah was struck by gunfire and pronounced dead at the hospital.

At the time of the shooting, Dicus suggested the girl may have been involved in the shootout.

"Evidence suggests that Savannah Graziano was a participant in shooting at our deputies," the sheriff said in a released statement.

Dicus said that "throuhought the chase, Graziano — and possibly his daughter as well — was constantly shooting back at the deputies” through the truck's rear window."

According to the sheriff's statement, Savannah fell to the ground during the shootout as the driver remained in the truck.

Graziano's father, Anthony John Graziano, 45, died in the shootout with deputies along Interstate 15 near the Main Street exit in Hesperia. During the firefight, Savannah was wearing tactical gear, according to Dicus.

Investigations from the scene showed one assault-type rifle was found inside the Nissan, next to Anthony Graziano's dead body, according to Dicus in a news conference, but an update on any additional weapons recovered was not provided.

Prior to the shootout Tracy Martinez, 45, was involved in a domestic dispute with Graziano when he killed and shot her, according to Fontana police Sgt. Chris Surgent.

He called the initial shooting of the wife and mother of the victims a "domestic violence incident," but did not elaborate on a possible motive for the slaying. The couple was reportedly in the middle of a divorce.

SEE THE VIDEO HERE

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