LAPD Review Panel Says Officer’s Shooting of Transgender Woman Was Not Justified
LAPD Shooting of Transgender Woman Deemed ‘Out of Policy’ by Oversight Panel
The Los Angeles Police Department’s handling of the fatal shooting of Linda Becerra Moran, a transgender woman, was classified as "out of policy" by the Department’s oversight panel on Tuesday. The incident, which took place last year at a Pacoima motel, has raised serious concerns regarding the police’s response to her pleas for help prior to the encounter escalating.
According to a police presentation that showcased body-worn video footage, Moran was shot when she moved toward a group of officers near the motel door while holding a knife. After the incident, she was transported to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries several weeks later, as confirmed by the LA County Medical Examiner.
The Board of Police Commissioners addressed the case in a closed session, concluding with a unanimous 5-0 vote that certain tactics employed by the officers involved were inappropriate, asserting that the shooting of Moran breached departmental rules. "And for the lethal use of force, out of policy, one police officer II," stated Commission Executive Director Django Sibley.
The officer who discharged his weapon, identified as Jacob Sanchez, was involved in the encounter on February 7, 2025. Moran had called 911 to report being held against her will at the motel on Foothill Blvd and claimed she had suffered physical assault.
Video evidence revealed that Moran grew increasingly agitated as the officers examined a head wound and questioned her. She ultimately brandished a knife, threatening self-harm while demanding the officers exit the room. "She was never protected by LAPD when she asked for help; instead, she was murdered," remarked Bamby Salcedo, president of the TransLatina Coalition, during her testimony to the Commissioners. "I’m asking that you bring justice to the memory and life of Moran and her family," she added.
As the situation escalated, officers retreated to the threshold of the room, persistently urging Moran to drop the weapon. Despite these requests, she advanced toward the officers while still holding the knife, resulting in the officer-involved shooting.
In August 2025, Moran’s family filed a lawsuit against Officer Sanchez, the LAPD, and the City of Los Angeles, alleging civil rights violations and negligence. The lawsuit claims that the force employed against her was "unnecessary, excessive, and entirely avoidable, causing the wrongful and tragic loss of a vulnerable victim’s life."
The LAPD has refrained from commenting on ongoing litigation. In a response filed by the LA City Attorney’s Office, the allegations were denied, and a request for case dismissal was made. A jury trial is tentatively set for July 2027, as outlined in court records. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is still reviewing the shooting to determine its legal justification.
