Case Background

On December 18, 2021, officers responded to a 911 call placed by Sonia Torres. She reported that her brother, Margarito Edvin Lopez, was threatening to end his life. The call brought officers to the family’s home on East Adams Boulevard in Los Angeles. Upon arrival, they located Lopez outside the residence holding a knife. Officers immediately pointed a spotlight at him and ordered him to drop the weapon.

Cause

Lopez did not respond to officers’ commands. He remained seated and silent while officers shouted at him for several minutes. Roughly two minutes into the encounter, police fired a less-lethal round. Despite no threatening movement from Lopez, they continued yelling. Moments later, Lopez stood up and began to turn. Officers responded by firing additional less-lethal rounds and multiple live bullets. Several struck Lopez, bringing him to the ground.

Injury

Lopez sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The officers’ use of lethal force resulted in his death at the scene. His family watc