Candlelight Vigil Held for Man Killed by Culver City Police, Family Files Lawsuit
A candlelight vigil was held on Saturday to remember an unarmed man who was shot and killed by Culver City police during a distressing mental health crisis, according to his family.
The vigil took place at the location where the fatal encounter occurred between Guillermo Medina and Culver City police on December 18, 2022.
The police responded to a 911 call reporting domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon.
Medina, however, got into his car and led the police on a chase across Southern California before returning to Culver City and crashing the vehicle.
After abandoning the car, Medina was shot by the police.
Surveillance footage captured the moment Medina fell to the ground after being shot.
The family of Guillermo Medina has now filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Culver City and the police, alleging the use of excessive force against an unarmed individual.
They argue that Medina suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and was experiencing a mental health breakdown on the night of the incident.
In response, the police claim to have found a replica firearm in Medina’s vehicle and deny that the shooting was unjustified or excessive.
They also dispute the assertion that Medina had a history of mental illness.
The tragic incident has sparked calls for better community care and improved responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Multiple agencies are currently investigating the shooting.
The candlelight vigil brought together family, friends, and community activists who gathered to express their support and demand justice for Guillermo Medina.
The lawsuit filed by the family aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his death and seek accountability from the Culver City police.
As investigations continue, the case has drawn attention to the need for comprehensive training and protocols to ensure appropriate responses to individuals in mental health crises.
The outcome of the lawsuit and the ongoing investigations will determine the future course of action regarding this tragic incident.
