Kendrec McDade, a 19-year-old African American college student, was fatally shot by Pasadena police officers on March 24, 2012. The incident began when Oscar Carrillo, a 911 caller, falsely reported that two men had pointed a gun at him and stolen his laptop near Orange Grove Boulevard and Raymond Avenue. Responding to the call, officers Matthew Griffin and Jeffrey Newlen pursued McDade, who they believed was armed based on Carrillo's report.
During the chase, McDade allegedly reached for his waistband, prompting the officers to open fire. McDade was struck by seven bullets and later pronounced dead at Huntington Hospital. An autopsy revealed that he was shot at point-blank range and was unarmed at the time of the shooting.
The aftermath of McDade's death saw significant legal and investigative actions. Oscar Carrillo, the 911 caller, was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter for his false report, which had led to the fatal shooting. The Pasadena Police Department faced multiple investigations, including probes by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, the FBI, and the Los Angeles County Office of Independent Review. These investigations focused on the emergency call, the officer-involved shooting, and the police response. The Office of Independent Review's report, which was made public after a prolonged legal battle, detailed the events leading to McDade's death and the internal investigation conducted by the city.
McDade's family filed lawsuits against the city of Pasadena and its police department, alleging civil rights violations and wrongful death. The lawsuits claimed that the officers had used excessive force and that the police department had failed to properly train its officers. In 2014, the city of Pasadena reached settlements with McDade's parents, although the terms of the settlements were not disclosed. The settlements were seen as a partial acknowledgment of the family's grievances, but they did not bring about significant changes in police practices or policies.
The shooting of Kendrec McDade sparked public outcry and protests in Pasadena, highlighting broader issues of police violence and racial profiling. The incident occurred in the wake of the death of Trayvon Martin and contributed to the growing national conversation about police accountability and the use of force against unarmed individuals. Despite the legal settlements and investigations, the McDade case remains a poignant example of the challenges in addressing police misconduct and ensuring justice for victims of police violence.
