Fatal LAPD Shooting of Trans Woman Triggers Lawsuit, Community Outcry
A civil rights lawsuit has been filed against the city of Los Angeles by the family of a transgender woman fatally shot by Los Angeles Police Department officers, alleging that the shooting was unjustified and unlawful.
The lawsuit stems from the death of 30-year-old Linda Becerra Moran, who was shot by LAPD officers at a Pacoima motel and succumbed to her injuries 20 days later. Moran’s family, along with their legal representatives, contend that body camera footage from the scene contradicts the police narrative and proves that officers acted unlawfully.
Denisse Gastélum, the attorney representing Moran’s family, called the shooting a “cold-blooded killing” and is urging the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to intervene.
“The officers were called to help her, not kill her,” Gastélum said. “She told them, under no uncertain terms, ‘I don’t feel too good. I feel a bit suicidal. I want to harm myself.’ She grabbed a knife, but at no point did she ever threaten the officers.”
Moran’s family and legal team argue that she was experiencing a mental health crisis and should have been met with de-escalation tactics rather than deadly force.
The LAPD responded to reports of a possible kidnapping suspect on Feb. 7 in the 10000 block of San Fernando Road. According to police, Moran herself had called 911, claiming she was being held against her will.
Upon arrival, officers encountered Moran, who they say became “agitated” and armed herself with a knife. Police officials stated that she refused commands to drop the weapon, which led to officers opening fire.
However, Gastélum and the family dispute that claim, asserting that Moran was a victim of sex trafficking who had called for help. The lawsuit alleges that officers escalated the situation instead of responding with care and appropriate intervention.
The case has outraged LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who argue that transgender individuals, especially those in crisis, are disproportionately subjected to police violence.
The lawsuit, filed against the city of Los Angeles and the LAPD, seeks justice for Moran’s death and accountability from the officers involved. The family is demanding an independent investigation and for the district attorney to take action against those responsible.
“The city cannot continue to allow these kinds of killings to happen,” Gastélum said. “We need accountability, we need justice, and we need real change in how law enforcement handles mental health crises.”
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Force Investigation Division is conducting an internal review of the shooting, and the case is expected to be examined by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether officers violated any laws.
