PACOIMA : Mother Files Claim in Son’s Slaying
The mother of a young Pacoima man who was shot nine times and killed by police officers after he threatened them with a broomstick has filed a wrongful death claim against the city of Los Angeles, city officials said Tuesday.
Lawyers for Santos Salcido Gallardo--the mother of 18-year-old Efrain Santos Lopez--filed a claim Jan. 12. It alleges that the officers involved in the incident failed to “follow proper standards and procedures” before shooting the man.
Attorneys also contend that the Los Angeles Police Department failed to “properly instruct, train, and supervise” Officers Neil Goldberg and Dean Gizzi of the Foothill Division.
According to police, Lopez was shot Nov. 9, 1992, when he charged at Goldberg, 30, with a broomstick and yelled: “Shoot me! Kill me!” Gallardo had called police that day to subdue her son, who she said was drinking holy water and claiming to be Christ and Satan.
The county coroner’s reports indicate Lopez’s blood contained PCP and a small quantity of alcohol when he was killed.
John C. Taylor, Gallardo’s attorney, said police have not released the officers’ exact accounts of the incident and city officials have not replied to the claim.
The city has until Feb. 26 to respond, Taylor said.
Taylor said the amount of money sought under the claim has not been specified.
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