Unarmed 73-Year-Old Calif. Man Was Shot 5 Times, Autopsy Reveals

The unarmed California 73-year-old grandfather who was fatally shot by police earlier this week was struck by five bullets, according to authorities, Time magazine reports. Suggested Reading The Root 100 – 2020 Black History Month – 2022 Hip-Hop 50 Year – 2023 Video will return here when scrolled back into view Stefon Diggs and Cardi…

The unarmed California 73-year-old grandfather who was fatally shot by police earlier this week was struck by five bullets, according to authorities, Time magazine reports.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Stefon Diggs and Cardi B Viral Boat Video Prompts Response from Patriots Coach
Stefon Diggs and Cardi B Viral Boat Video Prompts Response from Patriots Coach

Francisco Serna was killed early Monday morning by a Bakersfield, Calif., police officer after authorities responded to a call about a man brandishing a handgun in the neighborhood. The officer reportedly believed that the elderly man was armed and opened fire as Serna was standing in a neighbor's driveway.

According to the report, Bakersfield Assistant Police Chief Lyle Martin said Tuesday that Serna had one hand in his jacket pocket and did not listen to commands to stop walking, or to remove his hand from his jacket, before the officer opened fire.

Police who canvassed the area never uncovered a weapon but later revealed that Serna had been holding a wooden crucifix inside his jacket.

The officer involved fired seven rounds at Serna. An autopsy shows that Serna was hit by five of those rounds.

Read more at Time magazine

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.