Family of Osman Hernandez files wrongful death suit: White Salinas Cops Execute Latino Man Holding Lettuce Knife - shot lying on his back with Assault Rifle 10 times
/From [HERE] and [HERE] The parents of a man fatally shot by Salinas police in May have filed a federal lawsuit [HERE] claiming wrongful death.
Osman Hernandez, 26, was shot and killed by police in the parking lot of Mi Pueblo on East Alisal on May 9. Officers responded after a citizen called to report that a man was there brandishing a lettuce knife.
Officers say Hernandez didn't comply with their orders and that they used a stun gun on him but it wasn't effective. They said he still attempted to come toward them with the knife, and that's when two officers fired their guns at him.
The shooting occurred in front of numerous witnesses and was caught on surveillance camera. The incident spurred an emotional debate and accounts of what happened were wildly conflicting at the time.
The suit filed by Hernandez' parents names the city of Salinas, Police Chief Kelly McMillin and the officers involved.
According to the complaint, Hernandez was shot 10 times. The case is under review by the Monterey County District Attorney's Office. Chief McMillin has said the officers used appropriate force in the incident.
About two weeks after Hernandez was killed, Salinas police fatally shot Carlos Mejia (foul video below), after responding to reports of a man trying to break into a woman's house and exposing himself to her. Officers say that when they arrived, Mejia had a large pair of garden shears that he was brandishing at them. Officers tried using a stun gun first, but it was unsuccessful. Mejia's family has also filed a wrongful death suit.