A heartbreaking video has renewed public attention on the 2022 death of 15-year-old Savannah Graziano, who was fatally shot by police as she attempted to escape her armed father during a high-risk chase in California.

A Violent Chain of Events

According to investigators, Savannah had been living with her father, Anthony Graziano, in his truck and various hotels for several weeks before the incident. An Amber Alert was issued the day before the chase after her mother was found fatally shot, with Anthony named as the primary suspect.

Authorities have since questioned whether Savannah willingly went with her father or was taken against her will.

The High-Speed Pursuit

Newly released helicopter and dash-camera footage shows the father’s truck racing down a Southern California freeway with gunfire coming from inside the vehicle. Deputies did not wear body cameras at the time, leaving aerial and witness recordings as the only visual evidence.

The chase ended near Hesperia, where officers surrounded the truck. A narrator in the police-released video describes an “extensive exchange of gunfire” as the standoff unfolded.

A Deadly Misunderstanding

The footage shows Savannah crouched near the vehicle before slowly walking toward a deputy who was calling her to safety. As she moved toward him, several other deputies opened fire.

The deputy closest to her shouted, “Stop shooting her! He’s in the car!” His warnings were captured on his belt recorder but not broadcast over radio channels.

Savannah, who was unarmed, was rushed to the hospital but died from her injuries. Her father was also killed at the scene. Multiple weapons and body armor were later found in his vehicle.

Ongoing Investigation and Family Outcry

California’s Department of Justice continues to investigate the shooting, and the names of the officers involved remain undisclosed. Savannah’s uncle acknowledged the chaos deputies faced but insists her death was preventable.

“She was a sweet girl,” he said. “She didn’t deserve this.”