Michelle Lee Shirley, 39

Torrance, California
October 31, 2016

Agencies: Torrance Police Department California

Cause of death: Shooting


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Last updated: over 3 years ago

Overview

Michelle Lee Shirley, a 39-year-old black woman, was shot to death by a Torrance police officer Monday, Oct. 31, near the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Cabrillo Avenue in Torrance, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

About 2:28 p.m., Torrance officers received a multiple calls about a reckless driver, according to a news release. Callers said a Ford Fusion,had collision damage and that the side airbags had deployed, the release said. 

Once police spotted the car, officers boxed it in, according the news release. As the driver tried to get away, officers opened fire on the car, striking the driver, who was later identified as Shirley, the release said. 

Shirley, of San Diego, was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead at 3:05 p.m., according to coroner's records. 

The shooting is being investigated under the direction of Capt. Martin Vukotic of the Torrance Special Operations Bureau with assistance from the Los Angeles County district attorney's office.

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