Newly released bodycam footage shows the moment a Los Angeles sheriff shot a mother who called 911 after her ex-boyfriend allegedly attacked her and her daughter.
Niani Finlayson, 27, called police and “reported that her boyfriend would not leave her alone, after which screams and sounds of a struggle were heard,” according to the LA Sheriff's Department (LASD).
Footage shows officers quickly approaching the apartment complex and soon saw Finlayson holding an eight-inch kitchen knife near the door.
She reportedly told officers she was going to stab her ex-boyfriend because he allegedly hurt her nine-year-old daughter, Xaisha.
Niani Finlayson, 27, reportedly told officers she was going to stab her boyfriend because he allegedly injured her nine-year-old daughter Xaisha.
Deputy Ty Shelton fires four times while holding the Taser in another hand, and Finlayson immediately falls to the ground
Xaisha was seen next to Finlayson and appeared to tell officers that her mother's ex-boyfriend had hurt her
Xaisha was seen next to her and appeared to tell officers that her mother's ex-boyfriend had hurt her.
As he enters the apartment, Deputy Ty Shelton is seen asking the officer in front of him for her Taser, which she quickly hands over.
The female officer and Shelton enter the apartment together to see Xaisha standing near the kitchen, while Finlayson stands next to her ex-boyfriend, one hand on him and the other holding the knife.
At that moment, Shelton fires four times while holding the Taser in another hand, and Finlayson immediately falls to the ground.
Once her mother is shot, Xaisha runs to the kitchen as the ex-boyfriend shouts, 'No, no, why did you shoot?'.
Shelton is heard replying, “Drop it.” It is not known what he was referring to.
The female officer and Shelton enter the apartment together and see Xaisha standing near the kitchen while Finlayson stands next to her ex-boyfriend, one hand on him and the other holding the knife.
Once her mother is shot, Xaisha runs to the kitchen as the ex-boyfriend shouts, “No, no, why did you shoot?”
Finlayson was given first aid at the scene and then taken to a hospital, where she later died.
The ex-boyfriend was arrested for child abuse and assault on a police officer, but was later released.
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna released the following statement about the video: “The Department released the body-worn camera footage ahead of the legal timeframe to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and the visual representation of the facts in this case.
“As the comprehensive review process continues, the department will gain a greater understanding of the incident with the goal of improving public safety.”
Police allege Finlayson brandished a knife and threatened her boyfriend, and then Shelton shot her.
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna released the following statement about the video: “The Department released the body-worn camera footage ahead of the legal timeframe to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and the visual representation of the facts in this case.”
The family has filed a legal claim against the county and the sheriff, alleging wrongful death, assault and civil rights violations. They shared this selection of photos of Finlayson and her family on a GoFundMe page
However, Finlayson's family has disputed this story, claiming the mother was a victim of domestic violence who had asked for help and posed no threat.
At a press conference with her grandparents on Thursday, the heartbroken daughter said: 'The police lied that my mother threatened them. 'She was my best friend. She was always there for me. It's unbelievable that she's gone and not coming back. I miss my mother.'
Xaisha, who joined her family at the press conference to call for Shelton's prosecution, also tragically revealed how her two-year-old sister still asks where their mother is.
The family has filed a legal claim against the county and the sheriff, alleging wrongful death, assault and civil rights violations.
The family's attorney, Bradley Gage, said at the news conference: “You have someone who is asking the police for help, and she is being killed by the police she is asking for help from.”
“When you ask the police for help, you think the officers are going to protect and serve you. You don't expect them to hunt you down and kill you.”
Niani Finlayson, pictured right with her mother Tracie Hall (left), was shot dead by an LA sheriff
The LA district attorney's office will determine whether the shooting was legally justified, adding, “The department is deeply committed to protecting our diverse communities without bias and prejudice.”
Finlayson's father Lamont said his daughter had just moved into the apartment and was furious because police shot her “like a dog.” He said it “breaks me to my core.”
Following Finlayson's death, it emerged that Shelton had previously murdered 61-year-old Michael Thomas in a similar case on June 11, 2020.
Shelton fatally shot Thomas in the chest after responding to a call of possible domestic violence.
It was one of a series of LASD killings that summer that sparked massive protests and Shelton was not charged.