In the early morning hours of October 21, 2014, a domestic scene in Roy, Utah, spiraled into a tragedy that would end the life of 35-year-old Hispanic male, Jose Calzada. The day began with a call to a suicide hotline, a clear indication of the turmoil Calzada was experiencing. He had been drinking heavily and was in possession of firearms, a volatile combination that prompted the dispatch of Roy City Police to his home.
Upon their arrival, officers were able to safely evacuate a woman and her children, leaving Calzada alone inside.
For hours, a tense standoff unfolded as police negotiators engaged in a delicate dialogue with Calzada, attempting to bring a peaceful resolution to the escalating crisis. He reportedly expressed an intent to "commit suicide by cop," a chilling declaration that cast a dark shadow over the negotiations. Despite these threats, negotiators continued their efforts for over five hours. At some point, communication with Calzada ceased, leading to the decision to deploy the Ogden/Weber Metro SWAT team to enter the residence.
Once inside, a search of the home led officers to the garage, where they made a startling discovery. Curled inside the trunk of his car, they found Calzada. He was in what was described as a "dazed and drunken stupor," with a pistol to his mouth and a rifle nearby. Officers issued commands for him to show his hands and not to touch the weapons. What happened in the next few moments is a matter of contention. Police stated that Calzada made a move for the rifle, prompting three officers to open fire. His family, however, maintains that he was asleep and too intoxicated to pose a threat.
In the aftermath of the shooting, it was determined that the guns in Calzada's possession were not loaded. An autopsy revealed he had been shot 22 times. The Weber County Attorney's Office investigated the incident and ultimately ruled that the officers' actions were justified, meaning no criminal charges were filed against them. Calzada's family, disputing the official account, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Roy Police Department, the Weber County Sheriff's Office, and the individual SWAT team members involved. The lawsuit alleged wrongful death, illegal entry into his home, and the use of excessive force. While a judge later dismissed the wrongful-death claim, the other claims in the lawsuit were allowed to proceed.
