Killing not a cure for depression, family says - Cops Taser Then Shoot Man to Death After Family Calls 911 for Help for His Depression

A California sheriff’s deputy needlessly Tasered and then shot a man to death after his father called 911 seeking help for his son’s depression, the family claims in court. 

Parents and two brothers of the late George I. Ramirez sued Stanislaus County, its sheriff’s department, Sheriff Adam Christianson, and Deputy Art Parra Jr. in Federal Court. 

George Ramirez, the father, says he called 911 on April 16, 2012, seeking help for his son. Ramirez says in the complaint that he told the 911 operator that his son was depressed, but never said that the family was in danger or that a crime was in progress. 

Deputy Parra responded, finding the father changing a headlight and the mother indoors doing housework. The family says Parra asked about the son’s whereabouts, but did not ask for details regarding his condition or why the family called 911. 

Parra found Ramirez on the couch watching television, unaware that his family had called 911. Parra confirmed his identity and placed him under arrest by ordering him to stand up and turn around, according to the complaint. 

“In the process of standing up and complying with orders, Ramirez asked Parra why he was under arrest and if he could see his credentials,” the complaint states. 

“Parra refused to respond and again ordered Ramirez to turn around, demanding Ramirez put his hands behind his back. 

“Ramirez complied with the orders of Parra. 

“Parra then demanded Ramirez to put his hands closer together behind his back. 

“Ramirez turned around and asked Parra in a calm, non-threatening manner to identify himself. 

“At this time, and without providing any warning, Parra withdrew his Taser gun from his holster and deployed two darts into Ramirez’s chest and activated the Taser. Ramirez fell to the floor. 

“Ramirez fell to the floor.” 

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