In a heartbreaking turn of events, 17-year-old Victor Perez, who had autism and cerebral palsy, passed away after being shot by police in Pocatello, Idaho.
His family confirmed his death after he had been in a coma for several days following the incident on April 5.
Victor, described as nonverbal and intellectually disabled, had been in critical condition since the shooting, and doctors had removed nine bullets from his body before amputating his left leg.
Despite these efforts, his condition deteriorated, and on Saturday, after doctors confirmed no brain activity, Victor was taken off life support and passed away.
The Events Leading to the Shooting
The tragic incident unfolded when police responded to a 911 call reporting a man with a knife chasing someone in a yard.
Upon arrival, officers confronted Victor, who was not intoxicated, as had been initially believed. Victor’s staggered gait was due to his disabilities, and his family had been trying to take a kitchen knife from him before the police arrived.
A neighbor’s video footage captured the harrowing moments as officers ordered Victor to drop the knife.
Instead, he stood up and stumbled towards them, prompting the officers to open fire within just 12 seconds of arriving at the scene.
Questions About the Police Response
In the video, Victor can be seen lying motionless on the ground after being shot.
The officers, having rushed to the fence and drawn their weapons, continued to shoot even after Victor had fallen.
Neighbors and witnesses have raised concerns about the police’s quick escalation of force, questioning why they didn’t attempt to de-escalate the situation or use non-lethal means to handle the confrontation.
One neighbor, Brad Andres, described the officers’ response as resembling a “death squad” rather than a police force attempting to resolve the situation peacefully.
The Aftermath and Investigation
Victor’s family, devastated by his death, has voiced their anger over the police’s actions.
Social media users have also shared their outrage, with many questioning why the officers resorted to lethal force so quickly.
The four officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, and an independent investigation is underway.
Bannock County Prosecutor Ian Johnson confirmed that a full report would be reviewed by an external agency once the investigation is complete, which will determine if charges will be filed.
Victor Perez’s Life and Legacy
Victor’s family described him as a joyful and loving young man who enjoyed watching professional wrestling, eating fries, and walking hand-in-hand with his mother.
His aunt, Ana Vazquez, shared how Victor would notice when she painted her nails his favorite color, blue, or when she wore a new hairstyle.
She spoke fondly of their daily routine, remembering how she would comfort him when he struggled to sleep.
“I’m going to miss him,” she said, reflecting on their bond and the immense loss her family now faces.
Victor’s death has sparked widespread sorrow and anger, raising important questions about police conduct and the treatment of individuals with disabilities.
His family’s pain is shared by many, and they are left to mourn a young life tragically cut short by a series of missteps.
