Attorneys representing the family of Ernest Duenez Jr. on Wednesday released dash cam video of a fatal police shooting, in which the 34-year-old man was shot to death by police.
December 18, 2012

[Caution: This video is graphic and disturbing.]

Attorneys representing the family of Ernest Duenez Jr. on Wednesday released dash cam video of a fatal police shooting, in which the 34-year-old man was shot to death by police.

Police in Manteca, California had attempted to arrest Duenez last year for violating his parole. Duenez, who was considered armed and dangerous, was shot eleven times after exiting a pick-up truck that had pulled up to his home.

Officer John Moody said Duenez advanced towards him armed with a knife, despite orders not to move. Moody fired 13 rounds in 4.2 seconds, striking Duenez several times. Duenez's wife can be seen coming out of the house and screaming after her husband is shot.

Oakland civil rights attorney John Burris, who represented the family of Oscar Grant in another high-profile police shooting case, claims that Duenez was unarmed and had caught his foot in a seatbeat shortly before being shot.

The dash cam video was released after the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office concluded that Moody was legally justified in using lethal force.

Close inspection of the video by experts found that a knife is visible, the D.A.'s office said.

But members of Duenez's family said they don't see a weapon when they watch the video, or any sign that Duenez was threatening the officer.

"There's nothing showing this officer, this trained officer, was threatened," said Duenez's mother, Rosemary.

The family said they released the video in an effort to get federal authorities to review the case.

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