Jury hits San Bernardino County with $51.8M verdict for deputies' killing of man in crisis
On Feb. 5, 2023, San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies Nicholas Kridner and Bill Abernathy shot Antonio Garza Jr., 44, who was in a mental health crisis, at the end of a 35-minute chase from Yucca Valley into Palm Springs. Deputies fired 14 times and then seven more times after he fell, according to an independent autopsy; they wore no body cameras. In October 2026 a federal jury unanimously found the department liable and awarded his mother $51.8 million, including $10 million in punitive damages after finding the deputies acted with reckless disregard. The family's attorney said both deputies were promoted rather than disciplined or charged. Deputies said Garza swung a golf club; county lawyers cited methamphetamine in his system. The Sheriff's Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The deputies involved in the incident were not wearing body cameras.
Se promovieron los dos, los dos que dispararon. Es un premio para la violencia
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Deputies said Garza raised a golf club and swung it at Kridner before they fired.
Deputies said Garza raised a golf club and swung it at Kridner before they fired.
No outcome recorded yet.