Story perspectives

Officers Cleared in Gabriel Garza's Death; Family Sues

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Two San Diego Police Department officers, Jacob Phipps and Noah McLemore, were cleared by District Attorney Summer Stephan for restraining Gabriel Garza, who died January 25, 2025.
The district attorney said the officers used minimal force to prevent Garza from injuring himself or others.
Garza, 40, had alcohol and cocaine in his system.
His family filed a civil suit against the officers and the San Diego Police Department seeking unspecified damages.

1 of 1

Story summary

Two San Diego Police Department officers, Jacob Phipps and Noah McLemore, were cleared by District Attorney Summer Stephan for restraining Gabriel Garza, who died January 25, 2025.
The district attorney said the officers used minimal force to prevent Garza from injuring himself or others.
Garza, 40, had alcohol and cocaine in his system.
His family filed a civil suit against the officers and the San Diego Police Department seeking unspecified damages.