California murder suspect, teen daughter killed in shootout
Courtesy of City of Fontana Police Department via AP
This undated photo provided by the City of Fontana Police Department shows, 45-year-old Anthony John Graziano who is a suspect in a shooting incident. A Southern California woman was shot to death Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, in a domestic violence incident and police said the suspect, Graziano, is believed to be on the run with his 15-year-old daughter. Officers responding around 7:30 a.m. to reports of gunfire found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds at a home in Fontana, police said in a statement.
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022 | 4:51 p.m.
VICTORVILLE, Calif. — An abducted 15-year-old girl and her father — a fugitive wanted in the death of the teen's mother — were killed amid a shootout with law enforcement Tuesday on a highway in the high desert, authorities said.
The teenager, Savannah Graziano, was wearing tactical gear as she ran toward sheriff's deputies during the firefight, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus.
Authorities did not specify whether the teen was struck by bullets fired by her father or responding deputies.
She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly before noon.
Her father, 45-year-old Anthony John Graziano, was pronounced dead at the scene in Hesperia. He allegedly killed his estranged wife in a domestic violence incident on Monday in the city of Fontana.
Investigators had issued an Amber Alert after Graziano fled with his daughter. He had been described as armed and dangerous.
His truck was spotted Tuesday morning in Barstow, prompting a chase where Graziano repeatedly fired at deputies from a rifle while driving, authorities said.
Graziano allegedly killed Tracy Martinez, 45, on Monday in a domestic violence incident in the city of Fontana, according to Fontana police Sgt. Chris Surgent. Family members told investigators that the couple had been going through a divorce.
Investigators had issued an Amber Alert after Graziano fled with their daughter, Savannah Graziano, in a white 2017 Nissan Frontier with California plates. Graziano was described as armed and dangerous.
On Tuesday, a 911 caller reported seeing the Nissan Frontier in Barstow, according the sheriff's department. Authorities said a pursuit began and Graziano fired multiple shots out of the vehicle's rear window.
The Nissan became disabled in Hesperia, authorities said. Deputies returned the suspect's fire, hitting Graziano and the female passenger. She was taken to a hospital.
Tuesday's crime scene caused major backups along Interstate 15. An afternoon news conference was scheduled.
The original killing was discovered early Monday in Fontana, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) south of Hesperia.
Officers responded at around 7:30 a.m. to reports of gunfire, and found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds at a home, police said in a statement. Martinez was rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.