In Yuma, Arizona, a domestic violence call on a Friday night in November 2017 ended in the death of 51-year-old Steve Steenhard. On November 24th, two officers from the Yuma Police Department arrived at a residence in response to the call. There, they encountered Steenhard inside the home's garage.
The officers reported that Steenhard was positioned in front of an open gun safe and was seen reaching into it.
In the ensuing confrontation, one of the officers, identified as Sabino Saucedo, fired his weapon. Steenhard sustained a gunshot wound and a semi-automatic handgun was later found near his body. He was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The Yuma County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation into the shooting. Following the investigation, the county attorney announced that Officer Saucedo's use of deadly force was justified to protect himself and his fellow officer during the encounter. Consequently, no charges were filed against the officer, and no arrests were made in connection with Steenhard's death.
Steenhard, a resident of Yuma, was a warrant officer for Yuma County Adult Probation and also served as a Special Deputy with the U.S. Marshals. His obituary remembered him as an avid cook and a proud member of several local organizations, including the Yuma County Sheriff's Office Posse and the Elks Lodge. He was survived by his wife of 25 years, two daughters, and three grandchildren. Memorial services were held in early December 2017.
