San Bernardino County residents received a landmark civil verdict on Thursday when a federal jury awarded $51.8 million to the family of Antonio Garza Jr., who was fatally shot by county sheriff’s deputies in 2023. The decision marks one of the largest monetary awards for a police‑shooting case in California history.
Background of the incident
On February 5, 2023, 44‑year‑old Antonio Garza Jr. fled from his home in Yucca Valley after deputies suspected him of starting a wildfire. The chase lasted more than half an hour, ending near Palm Springs in a desert area where deputies confronted him.
According to the family’s attorneys, Garza suffered from a mental illness that was known to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD). They contend that instead of receiving medical assistance, Garza was shot a dozen times – including multiple shots to his back, head and leg – while he was on the ground.
Family’s response
Matilde Garza, Antonio’s mother, told reporters in Spanish, “My son was suffering from a mental illness. They knew he was ill, yet they killed him out in the desert anyway. They left him lying there as if he had no family.” She added, “There needs to be better laws for people who are ill. Right now, the police just do whatever they want.”
Attorney Rebecca Brown, representing the Garza family, said, “They shot him in the back while he was on the ground. They shot him twice in the head and once in the left leg. Antonio didn’t have to die. He just needed help.”
Evidence that shaped the verdict
Although the deputies were not wearing body cameras at the time, a motorist’s video recorded on Highway 10 captured the encounter. An independent autopsy also corroborated the family’s account of the shooting. Both pieces of evidence were pivotal in persuading the jury.
Jury findings and award
The unanimous jury found Deputies Nicholas Kridner and Bill Abernathy, as well as the sheriff’s department, liable on all counts. The $51.8 million award includes compensation for wrongful death, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Sheriff’s department response
NBC Los Angeles reached out to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for comment. The department acknowledged the request but had not provided a statement at the time of publication.
Implications for the community
The verdict underscores growing concerns among California families about how law‑enforcement agencies handle encounters with individuals experiencing mental health crises. Advocates for mental‑health reform argue that the case highlights the urgent need for clearer statutes and training that prioritize medical assistance over lethal force.
Local officials and community leaders are expected to review current protocols and consider legislative measures that could prevent similar tragedies. The sizable award also serves as a reminder that taxpayers ultimately bear the cost of civil judgments against public agencies.
As the Garza family begins the process of receiving the settlement, the case is likely to influence ongoing discussions about law‑enforcement accountability and mental‑health resources throughout the county and the state.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
