Teen Shot Dead By Santa Cruz Co. Deputy ID'd As Luke Smith, 15

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – A teenage stabbing suspect fatally shot by a Santa Cruz County sheriff's deputy north of Watsonville early Saturday morning has been identified as 15-year-old Luke Smith, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies who responded to a reported stabbing in the 800 block of Amesti Road just before 3 a.m. Saturday found two victims who were quickly taken to a hospital, Undersheriff Jeremy Verinsky said.

One of the victims suffered critical injuries and the other was left with serious injuries, according to Verinsky.

Deputies were able to locate Smith armed with a knife near the scene about 10 minutes later with help from police officers, Verinsky said.

They worked to de-escalate the situation and used less-lethal weapons on the suspect, who then approached the deputies with a knife, according to Verinsky.

Smith was shot at least once by a deputy and received aid from paramedics who pronounced him dead at the scene, Verinsky said.

Investigators plan to play video footage that captured the incident from a deputy's body-worn camera during a news conference at sheriff's headquarters this afternoon.

A GoFundMe page for a memorial fund benefiting Smith's family has raised $3,965 of its $15,000 goal as of this morning.

"The family of beloved teen Luke Smith wants us to remember him fondly," said the fundraiser organizer. "He was a bright, shining soul whose life was cut short too soon. Please help help the family by contributing to this memorial fund. Help spread the word!"

"Wishing I could take away this pain and make this not true," wrote one contributor. "Life is so unfair sometimes. RIP Luke. May you find your wave in Heaven!"

Another donor said: "You were one of the most unique people I've ever met. I'm so glad I had the pleasure of getting to know you."

>>>Donations can be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/lukes-memorial-fund.<<<

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--Bay City News contributed to this post/Image via GoFundMe