Topanga Division Officer-Involved Shooting NRF081-17bm

**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles: On December 23, 2017, around 7:15 p.m., a Topanga Gang Enforcement Officer responded to a radio call of a Domestic Violence in the 8100 block of DeSoto Avenue. A short time later, the officer broadcast that he needed help for an Assault with a Deadly Weapon suspect, armed with a machete and last seen running southbound in the north/south alley, just west of Desoto Avenue.

Police Officer II Fred Sigman, Serial No. 40578 and Police Officer II Chris Montague, Serial No. 40533, both assigned to Topanga Patrol Division, responded to the help call and encountered the suspect, later identified as Jesse Murrillo, on Strathern Street, just west of Desoto Avenue. Murrillo, still armed with what was believed to be a machete and a hammer, ran toward the officers resulting in an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS).

The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and transported Murrillo to a local hospital where he failed to respond to emergency life saving measures and was pronounced dead.

No officers were injured during the incident and a laminate flooring tool and a large framing hammer were recovered at the scene.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. A representative from the Office of the Inspector General responded and monitored the scene investigation.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police Commissioners and the Office of the Inspector General to determine the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation and whether the use of deadly force complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. Additionally, representatives from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office who responded to the scene will review the subsequent FID investigation; evidence collected and witness statements to determine if the force used by the officers(s) was reasonable.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers:

During business hours at (213) 486-5230; During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247); Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or by texting “LAPD” and your tip to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S); or Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips.