Family honors Latino man fatally shot by Bakersfield Police one year ago - Lawsuit Pending

A Bakersfield woman memorialized her son who was killed in 2004 while trying to confront a sex offender in Southwest Bakersfield. Although the officer involved shooting was ruled justified, family members claimed his killing was not and there are reports that they want to hold local agencies accountable for his death. It's been a year of healing for Gabriel Garcia's loved ones, but by no means, does that mean family members are putting the case to rest. His mother Victoria Rosales reminisced about her sons during song service. “That song is about a son who's been saved by Jesus Christ and he said mom don't worry about me and I'm with God,” she said. “We rest now and he wanted me to hear that.” The memorial to honor 20-year-old Gabriel Garcia was held at a church in Delano. It was a year ago when Bakersfield Police Officers shot and killed Garcia outside the home of a registered sex offender, Vincent Verdile in Bakersfield. “I was crying all the time, only a mother who has lost a child can feel that pain,” Rosales said. Family members accused Bakersfield Police of using excessive force but officials said Garcia refused to drop a knife in his hand. According to the 911 call made by Verdile, Garcia was threatening his life. Officials said his toxicology tests showed he had methamphetamine and marijuana in his system the day he was shot. According to the Bakersfield Californian, Victoria Rosales filed a wrongful death suit against the City of Bakersfield, and the Police Department. The claim reportedly seeks more than $50,000 in damages. Family members refused to comment and police officials said they were not available for comment on the case, on Sunday. [more]