Jose De La Trinidad, 36

Compton, California
November 10, 2012

Cause of death: Not Yet Known


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Last updated: almost 6 years ago

Overview

Jose De La Trinidad, a 36-year-old Latino, was fatally shot by authorities Saturday, Nov. 10, in the 1900 block of East 122nd Street in Willowbrook, according to the victim's family. De La Trinidad was in the passenger seat of a car being driven by his older brother, Francisco de la Trinidad, 39, when officers attempted to pull them over for speeding about 10:20 p.m. Officials said Francisco de la Trinidad then led deputies on a brief chase, before stopping to let his brother, Jose, out of the car. Sheriff’s Department officials say Jose de la Trinidad “quickly” exited the vehicle and seemed to be reaching for his waistband, prompting two deputies to open fire. Family members and an attorney for the de la Trinidad family insist that Jose was standing with his hands behind his head when he was shot by deputies and have requested an FBI investigation into the shooting.

“In terms of the settlement itself, speaking for Rosie and her daughters, it’s kind of a hollow victory,” said Arnoldo Casillas, the family’s attorney in the case. “Ultimately, the $5.3m for the entire family was a settlement that I could recommend Rosie and her daughters. They are kind of looking forward to getting the litigation behind them.”

He said the prosecutor “failed in every respect in regards to her duty to prosecute” when she chose not to bring charges against the officers.

The settlement came the same day as about 300 protesters gathered outside the Los Angeles County Hall of Administration, the LA Times reported, calling for more thorough investigation into police use of force.

Legal Action

April 2015 Settlement $5.3million