Family members of an 18-year-old girl shot by a Long Beach Unified School District safety officer demand a criminal case be filed against the officer.
An LBUSD officer shot 18-year-old Mona Rodriguez in the head near Millikan High School in late September, Officials said the school safety officer responded to an altercation.
As Rodriguez and an unidentified man tried to leave, an officer approached their car. When the car pulled away, the officer fired his gun. The family confirmed she died days later after taking her off life support.
The family held a press conference Tuesday outside District Attorney George Gascón’s downtown Los Angeles office, according to City News Service.
"We're here today because we want justice for my sister. We want the killer to go to jail. We want a prosecution to occur," said Iran Rodriguez, Mona Rodriguez's oldest brother. "And we want my sister to rest in peace knowing that her killer is behind bars."
"My sister's rights were violated," another relative, Omar Rodriguez, said. "Her life was taken ... I say my sister was murdered."
Authorities place the school safety officer, identified as Eddie Gonzalez, on leave while Long Beach police and the district attorney's office investigate the shooting.
Family attorney Michael Carrillo petitioned LA District Attorney George Gascón for help.
"We've all seen the video. Where is George Gascón?” Carrillo asked, according to City News Service. “Why isn't he here on the [microphone] announcing charges against this man? ... He talks a big game about prosecuting killer cops, but this is the example that needs to be done. This is the example that needs to be set. George Gascón, where are you? Come down from your mighty tower and show this family that justice, that justice will be done here."
Rodriguez's family established a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral arrangements, legal fees, and costs associated with caring for Rodriguez's surviving child.
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