Family of transgender woman shot and killed by LAPD files civil rights lawsuit

• The family of Linda Becerra Moran, shot by LAPD officers, is suing the department, alleging racial discrimination and failure to follow protocols. Denisse Gastélum, representing Moran’s family, said it was clear the officer who fired his weapon did not follow proper training or protocol.
• The LAPD is investigating the officers involved in the shooting and other allegations of misconduct.
• The ACLU has filed a complaint, accusing the LAPD of racial profiling during traffic stops.

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The family of Linda Becerra Moran, a transgender woman shot and killed by Los Angeles police officers, has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the department. The suit was announced Friday, March 14, one month after Moran called 911, saying she was being held against her will in a motel room.

Moran’s death and attorney’s claims

Moran, who died from her injuries 20 days after the shooting, was reportedly experiencing a crisis and was a victim of sex trafficking, according to the family’s attorney. The LAPD released body camera footage of the incident on Feb. 7.

Denisse Gastélum, representing Moran’s family, held a press conference Friday morning. She stated it was clear the officer who fired his weapon did not follow proper training or protocol. Moran spoke in Spanish during most of the encounter as officers asked her questions.

Gastélum emphasized Moran was upset and expressed suicidal thoughts before grabbing a knife and placing it to her neck. “At no point did she ever threaten the officers with that knife,” Gastélum said. “It was clear as day that she was going through a mental health crisis.”

The LAPD claimed Moran did not comply with commands from officers outside the motel room to drop the knife. The LAPD says she advanced toward the officers while still holding the knife, leading an officer to fire his weapon.

Allegations against LAPD officers

The lawsuit comes amid ongoing investigations into the LAPD. Recordings of officers using racist and discriminatory language have surfaced, with at least 90 recordings submitted as evidence, according to the Los Angeles Times. LAPD Chief Michel Moore said the officers involved are on leave and reassigned to home duties without police powers.

The investigation will also look into complaints of alleged discrimination in the department’s hiring process.

ACLU files complaint over racial profiling

In a separate development, the ACLU has filed a complaint on behalf of a civil rights organization. They allege LAPD officers have used traffic stops to target specific races, including Black and Latino drivers. The organization also calls for the Office of Traffic Safety to cut funding for the LAPD.