Adamson Ahdoot Attorneys Represent Family of Mentally Ill Man Fatally Shot by L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputies

Family of David Ordaz Jr. Files Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit

Attorneys Alan A. Ahdoot, Christopher B. Adamson, and Federico Sayre represent the family of David Ordaz Jr. who was shot and killed in March 2021 while experiencing a mental health crisis on the sidewalk in front of his family’s home in East Los Angeles.

The family is suing Los Angeles County and four Sheriff’s Deputies for negligence and wrongful death stemming from the use of unjustified, lethal force.

The 34-year-old man’s family called for help after Ordaz Jr. suffered from a mental health episode and appeared suicidal. L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputies opened fire on Ordaz Jr. who was holding a knife outside the family’s home.

The video below shows Ordaz Jr. began to move away after two non-lethal stun bags struck him. Instead of de-escalating the situation, sheriff’s deputies fired multiple bullets, instantly killing Ordaz Jr., a father of three.

Link to Video (WARNING: Footage May Be Disturbing For Some Viewers)

Link to Autopsy Report

Link to Autopsy sketches

Link to Complaint

Case Name: Jazmine Lucille Moreno, Emily Alyssa Ordaz, a minor, by and through her guardian ad litem, Jazmine Lucille Moreno, David Ordaz III, a minor, by and through his guardian ad litem, Jazmine Lucille Moreno, Erial Andrea Ordaz, a minor, by and through her guardian ad litem, Jazmine Lucille Moreno, David Ordaz Moreno, Edelmira Ramirez, Leonel Ordaz, Robert Ordaz, Hilda Pedroza, Gabriela Hernandez, Maria Madera, Juan Pedroza Jr., and the Estate of David Ordaz Jr, by and through its successor in interest, Jazmine Lucille Moreno

vs.

County of Los Angeles, a public entity, Remin Pineda, an individual; Edwin Navarrete, an individual; Jaime Romero, an individual; Nathaniel Trujillo; an individual; and DOES 1 through 50, inclusive, Defendants.

Update:

On November 11, 2022, LASD Deputy Pineda was formally charged with unlawfully fatally shooting Ordaz Jr., by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón. Gascón filed assault charges against Pineda and was charged with felony unlawful discharge. Pineda faces one count each of assault with a semi-automatic firearm and assault under the pretense of authority.