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LA County DA Seeks Dismissal of Manslaughter Case Against Torrance Officers in 2018 Shooting

The filing follows a new review finding the case cannot meet the beyond-a-reasonable-doubt standard with admissible evidence.

Overview

  • Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Sam Ohta declined to rule on the motion, citing the case’s pendency before the California Supreme Court after a defense habeas filing.
  • Special prosecutor Michael Gennaco’s review for DA Nathan Hochman concluded the evidence is insufficient to prove voluntary manslaughter against Officers Matthew Concannon and Anthony Chavez.
  • Prosecutors said an involuntary manslaughter route expired under a three-year statute of limitations and a 2020 change to California’s use-of-force law does not apply to the 2018 shooting.
  • Gennaco faulted the 2023 grand jury presentation by prior special prosecutor Lawrence Middleton, noting not all video was shown and legal instructions were deficient.
  • Mitchell, 23, was shot during a stop of a reported stolen car after officers said they saw what proved to be an air rifle between his legs; Chavez has since left the department and Concannon remains on leave.