Amidst harrowing circumstances, a 27-year-old woman, Niani Finlayson, met a tragic end when a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy fatally shot her. The distressing incident unfolded after Finlayson called 911 to report a domestic violence attack by her former boyfriend, raising renewed concerns about police response to such emergencies.

On December 4, Finlayson urgently sought assistance, informing authorities that her ex-boyfriend was refusing to leave, and a tumultuous struggle ensued. Deputies rushed to her Lancaster apartment, where screams and signs of violence permeated the air.

In a bewildering turn of events, Deputy Ty Shelton, the officer on the scene, resorted to lethal force, alleging that Finlayson, armed with a knife, posed a threat to her ex-boyfriend. The family vehemently disputes this narrative, asserting that she was a victim in need of protection, not a perpetrator.

Tragically, Finlayson, a mother of two, including a nine-year-old daughter who witnessed the incident, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. Her grieving family has now filed a $30 million claim against the county and the sheriff’s department, alleging wrongful death, assault, battery, and civil rights violations.

The lack of transparency, with LASD withholding body-camera footage, intensifies the anguish for Finlayson’s family, who are pleading for justice. Deputy Ty Shelton’s involvement in a similar fatal shooting in 2020 raises serious questions about the use of force and accountability within law enforcement.

Community advocates in the Antelope Valley region are calling for Shelton’s removal and prosecution, highlighting broader concerns about police brutality, particularly against Black women. The incident underscores the need for systemic change and accountability in law enforcement to ensure the safety of those seeking help.

As investigations unfold, the devastating loss of Niani Finlayson serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by individuals reaching out for assistance, exposing the urgent need for reforms to protect vulnerable communities from violence at the hands of those entrusted with their safety.

Amidst harrowing circumstances, a 27-year-old woman, Niani Finlayson, met a tragic end when a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy fatally shot her. The distressing incident unfolded after Finlayson called 911 to report a domestic violence attack by her former boyfriend, raising renewed concerns about police response to such emergencies. On December 4, Finlayson urgently sought…

Amidst harrowing circumstances, a 27-year-old woman, Niani Finlayson, met a tragic end when a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy fatally shot her. The distressing incident unfolded after Finlayson called 911 to report a domestic violence attack by her former boyfriend, raising renewed concerns about police response to such emergencies. On December 4, Finlayson urgently sought…