The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has released body camera footage showing a deputy shooting and killing a woman who had called 911 to report an alleged domestic violence situation with her boyfriend. Niani Finlayson, 27, had called deputies to her apartment in Lancaster on December 4, stating that her boyfriend was refusing to leave her home. Upon arrival, Finlayson opened the door holding a large kitchen knife and threatened to stab her boyfriend, claiming that he had hurt her 9-year-old daughter. Body camera footage shows that Deputy Ty Shelton shot Finlayson four times within seconds of entering the apartment, using a firearm instead of a Taser that he had requested from another deputy.
The incident unfolded as Finlayson’s daughter stood nearby and witnessed the shooting. After being shot, Finlayson collapsed to the floor, and her daughter ran into the kitchen. The boyfriend, in shock, questioned why the deputy had resorted to using a firearm instead of a less lethal option. Finlayson received first aid but was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated that Finlayson’s boyfriend became “resistive” and was arrested for child abuse and assault on a police officer, but was later released pending further investigation. Finlayson’s father expressed concerns about law enforcement’s ability to protect citizens, particularly in cases of domestic violence, and questioned why a Taser was not used in this situation.
This is not the first fatal shooting involving Deputy Shelton, as he had previously killed 61-year-old Michael Thomas in a domestic violence-related call. Thomas’ girlfriend stated that he had tried to prevent law enforcement from entering his home. Shelton’s shooting of Finlayson has sparked further controversy, as her family has filed a claim against the sheriff’s department and Los Angeles County, seeking accountability for the deputy’s actions and compensation for Finlayson’s daughter.
The sheriff’s department has removed Deputy Shelton from the field while an investigation into Finlayson’s death takes place. They have stated that they will examine and evaluate all aspects of the shooting, including the response, tactics, and background of the deputy involved. This incident raises questions about the use of force by law enforcement and highlights the need for better training and de-escalation tactics in domestic violence situations.
In conclusion, the shooting of Niani Finlayson by a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy during a domestic violence incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about law enforcement’s response to such cases. The use of a firearm instead of a less lethal option has been questioned, and the family of the victim is seeking accountability and compensation. The incident highlights the need for improved training and tactics to ensure the safety of individuals involved in domestic violence situations.
