On Feb. 4, 2018, plaintiffs’ decedent Anthony Weber, 16, was pursued on foot by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies, who suspected Anthony had pointed a gun at a motorist. After the deputies followed Anthony into a courtyard of an apartment complex, Sheriff’s Deputy Gregory Van Hoesen shot Anthony 16 times. Anthony died at the scene. Mattie Johnson, acting as guardian ad litem for Anthony’s daughter, referenced as “V.W.” in court filings, and Anthony’s parents, Demetra Johnson and John Weber, sued Van Hoesen and his employer, the county of Los Angeles. The lawsuit alleged that Van Hoesen’s actions constituted excessive force in violation of Anthony’s civil rights, causing Anthony’s wrongful death. Plaintiffs’ counsel contended that Anthony was unarmed and that no gun was ever recovered at the scene. Counsel also contended that Van Hoesen was negligent for firing shots to Anthony’s back, firing shots while Anthony was going to the ground and firing shots while Anthony was already on the ground. Defense counsel argued that Van Hoesen feared for his life and that the deputies’ actions were reasonable. The deputies who pursued Anthony claimed that Anthony was wearing the same clothes as those the motorist described the suspect as wearing. They also claimed that they saw Anthony armed with a gun and that Anthony was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the shooting. In addition, the deputies claimed that Anthony turned around and appeared to reach for his waistband at the time of the shooting., Anthony sustained 16 gunshot wounds, including gunshot wounds to his back. He died at the scene. Anthony was 16 years old at the time of his death. He was survived by his 2-year-old daughter and his parents, Demetra Johnson and John Weber. Anthony’s family sought recovery of wrongful death damages.