Graziano, initially feared kidnapped by her father following her mother's murder, was killed by San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies as she followed their instructions to approach them.

The incident, caught on video, has intensified scrutiny over the sheriff's department's handling of crises, especially following another controversial shooting involving an autistic boy last month.

The pursuit began after Graziano was reported abducted by her father, who had killed her estranged wife. The chase ended on a freeway where Graziano, wearing "tactical gear and a helmet," emerged from her father's vehicle and was shot by deputies amidst confusion over her identity and actions. Her father also died in the encounter.

For months, the department had not clarified who shot Graziano or detailed the events leading to her death. The recent release of nearly a dozen video files to journalist Joey Scott, after a prolonged request, has shed light on the tragic occurrence, showing deputies firing at Graziano even after identifying her presence.

Critics argue the department's pattern of excessive use of force, poor management, and lack of proper training for high-stress situations, highlighted by recent incidents and lawsuits against the department.

Savannah's uncle and civil rights attorneys have called for reforms and better training to prevent such needless deaths. The California Department of Justice is investigating the shooting under a law concerning police killings of unarmed civilians. This case and others have increased scrutiny on the sheriff's department's conduct and response protocols.