Pablo Meza, a 24-year-old Latino, was fatally shot by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers on January 17, 2015, at the intersection of Jesse and Mateo streets in Downtown Los Angeles. The incident began when officers responded to reports of a man firing a gun in the air. Upon arrival, the officers encountered Meza, who was allegedly armed and pointed his gun at them. In response, Officers Michael Pettinato and Alberto Funes fired at Meza, resulting in his death at the scene.
The coroner's report confirmed that Meza was shot multiple times.
The shooting led to an investigation by the Justice System Integrity Division (JSID) of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation concluded that Officer Pettinato acted in lawful self-defense and defense of another, while Officer Funes acted in lawful defense of another. The officers' actions were deemed justified, and no charges were filed against them. The investigation included a detailed analysis of the events leading up to the shooting, including witness statements and the officers' accounts.
The incident sparked discussions about police use of force and the frequency of officer-involved shootings in Los Angeles. Community members and activists raised concerns about the circumstances of Meza's death and the broader implications for police accountability. Despite these concerns, the official investigation upheld the officers' actions as lawful and necessary under the circumstances.
No further arrests or suspects were identified in connection with Meza's death, as it was determined to be a result of the officer-involved shooting. The case did not lead to any additional litigation or murder charges, as the investigation concluded that the officers acted within the bounds of the law. The LAPD's Force Investigation Division and the District Attorney's Office both conducted thorough reviews to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of the case.
