COMPTON — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors June 23 joined others in calling for an independent investigation into the death of an 18-year-old security guard shot to death by deputies from the Compton Sheriff’s Station June 18.
Acting on a motion by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, the board asked that the Sheriff’s Department’s inspector general be given immediate and full access to all evidence requested in order to provide independent oversight.
The motion also directs the county counsel, in consultation with the inspector general, the Civilian Oversight Commission and other agencies, to report back to the board with alternative plans to ensure an independent investigation in this case, including the involvement of the state attorney general to oversee the investigation.
Sheriff’s Department Homicide Capt. Kent Wegener told reporters that Guardado was talking with someone in a car when two deputies on patrol arrived at 5:52 p.m. June 18 at the Freeway Body Shop, in the 400 block of West Redondo Beach Boulevard, near Figueroa Street.
The Guardado shooting came two days after the Compton City Council approved an urgency motion to establish a law enforcement review board that will serve as a direct link for Compton residents to communicate and submit concerns regarding interactions with the Sheriff’s Department.
