An off-duty Orange County sheriff’s deputy fatally shot and killed their roomate, Brittany Shaw, a 35-year-old employee of the Orange County Health Care Agency.
The incident happened at Axiom Apartments in the 13000 block of Tustin East Drive, in Tustin, at around 5 a.m. on Friday morning.
The off-duty deputy mistook Shaw for an intruder.
The responding Tustin police officers found Shaw at the scne with multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics too ker to the Orange County Global Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.
Shaw’s work involved inmates who were just booked into the jail system, according to Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner. Inmates are routinely checked for illnesses and intoxication when they are booked.
Shaw had apparently been walking her dog early on Friday moring and was shot by the off-duty deputy as she returned to their shared apartment.
Shaw worked for six years as the Correctional Health Services Chief at the Orange County Intake Release Center. Health Care Agency Director Veronica Kelley sent a memo to staff Friday expressing “great sadness” about Shaw’s death.
The deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation into the deadly shooting continues. The name and gender of the deputy have not been revealed by the OC Sheriff or the Tustin Police Department.
One has to wonder why the deputy fired off his weapon without even bothering to identify Shaw.
Shaw’s sister posted this remembrance of her on her Facebook page:
Some of you already know and I’m sorry if you’re finding out this way. Friday morning, my sister was brutally killed and went to be with Jesus. Working as a trauma/ER/Prehospital nurse for over sixteen years, I have been on the medical side far too many times. Never have I imagined I would be on the receiving end with such a tragic event. Everyone who knew Britt, loved her immediately. As long as she was fed, she was her happy, bubbly self. She was truly the kindest, sweetest soul who was always a peace maker. Every friend who knew her became like family because thats who she was. She loved her job, her co-workers and the inmates she took care of and all adored her. Which gives a perfect example of who she was. She shined Jesus’ love to everyone and the world is a darker place without Brittany Nicole Shaw.
Here’s a summary of the possible penalties the off-duty deputy could face for fatally shooting Brittany Shaw:
Legal Consequences for Off-Duty Deputy in Fatal Shooting of Roommate
The off-duty Orange County sheriff’s deputy who shot and killed his roommate, Brittany Shaw, may face serious legal consequences depending on the outcome of the investigation. Shaw was reportedly mistaken for an intruder as she returned from walking her dog early Friday morning.
Criminal Investigation
- The California Department of Justice is likely to investigate the shooting under AB 1506, which mandates review of officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of unarmed civilians.
- The investigation will determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
Possible Criminal Charges
- Involuntary Manslaughter: If the shooting is deemed negligent but unintentional, the deputy could face 2 to 4 years in prison.
- Voluntary Manslaughter: If prosecutors believe the deputy acted in the heat of passion or under mistaken belief of danger, the penalty could be 3 to 11 years.
- Second-Degree Murder: If the deputy is found to have acted with reckless disregard for life, the penalty could be 15 years to life in prison.
Administrative Actions
- The deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave.
- He may face termination or loss of peace officer certification depending on internal findings.
Civil Liability
- Shaw’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking damages.
- Civil suits could result in financial penalties and reputational consequences.
good thing our local oscar pistorius is on paid leave while he recovers from the grief of his “roommate’s” accidental death
Deputy’s name is Aimee Hildalgo. They were engaged. for a thorough investigation here