Full Breakdown
LAPD Oversight Panel Rules Shooting of Transgender Woman Out of Policy
1/28/2026, 7:54:59 AM
Incident Overview
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) oversight panel has determined that the shooting of Linda Becerra Moran, a transgender woman, by an LAPD officer was "out of policy." The incident occurred on February 7, 2025, at a motel in Pacoima, California, where Moran had called 911 to report being held against her will and physically assaulted. During the encounter, she became agitated and ultimately advanced toward officers while holding a knife, leading to the shooting by Officer Jacob Sanchez.
Findings of the Oversight Panel
The Board of Police Commissioners voted unanimously, 5-0, to conclude that the tactics employed by the officers involved were out of policy and that the lethal use of force was unjustified. Commission executive director Django Sibley stated that the shooting violated departmental rules. The panel's findings were based on a review of body-worn camera footage, which showed Moran's escalating distress as officers attempted to assess her injuries and questioned her.
Family's Legal Action
Moran's family has filed a lawsuit against Officer Sanchez, the LAPD, and the City of Los Angeles, citing civil rights violations and negligence. The lawsuit claims that the force used against Moran was unnecessary and excessive, resulting in the tragic loss of her life. The family seeks justice for what they describe as the wrongful death of a vulnerable individual who sought help from the police.
Official Responses
In response to the lawsuit, the LA City Attorney's Office denied the allegations and requested the court to dismiss the case. A jury trial is tentatively scheduled for July 2027. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is currently reviewing the shooting to determine its legal justification, but has yet to release its findings.
Criticism from Advocacy Groups
Advocacy groups have expressed outrage over the incident and the subsequent findings. Bamby Salcedo, president of the TransLatina Coalition, criticized the LAPD's handling of the situation, stating, "She was never protected by LAPD when she asked for help, instead she was murdered." Salcedo urged the commission to seek justice for Moran and her family, highlighting the need for accountability in cases involving marginalized communities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the LAPD has released information regarding the incident and the oversight panel's findings, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has not yet published its decision on whether the shooting was legally justified. This lack of clarity leaves a gap in understanding the full context of the incident and its implications for police conduct.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She was never protected by LAPD when she asked for help, instead she was murdered,” — Bamby Salcedo, President, TransLatina Coalition
- “The force used against her was unnecessary, excessive, and entirely avoidable, causing the wrongful and tragic loss of a vulnerable victim’s life,” — Family's lawsuit statement
The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings are set to take place in the coming years, raising important questions about police accountability and the treatment of marginalized individuals by law enforcement.
