Bodycam footage of a fatal police shooting of a 23-year-old woman armed with a knife in Panorama City on June 15 has revealed confusion among officers over using a Taser or gun. The Los Angeles Police Department’s critical incident report showed that officers responded to a call about a woman threatening family members with a knife and found Joanna Lua behaving erratically. The officers repeatedly asked her to open the door, but Lua’s speech was incoherent.
The situation escalated when Officer Mackey Hurtado fired a fatal shot at Lua after she approached the officers with the knife raised. The footage showed a simultaneous deployment of a Taser and gun, leading to Lua’s death. She was taken to the hospital, where she later succumbed to the gunshot wound.
Lua’s sister, who made the 911 call out of fear for her safety, criticized the police for their actions, stating that Lua did not deserve to die in such manner. Lua was described as a loving mother with aspirations despite her mental health and addiction struggles. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
The incident has raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement officers and the handling of individuals with mental health issues. The community is calling for transparency and accountability in the investigation to ensure justice for Joanna Lua and her family. The LAPD has faced scrutiny over their response to individuals in crisis, prompting calls for better training and de-escalation techniques for officers.
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