No Charges Filed Against Officers Who Fatally Shot Unconscious Couple

In April 2022, Los Angeles County prosecutors will not charge former Inglewood, CA officers for fatally shooting a couple unconscious in their car in 2016.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón says “We further find that there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers’ decision to use deadly force was not objectively reasonable.”

Marquintan Sandlin and Kisha Michael were asleep in traffic lanes in February 2016. A Chevrolet Malibu stopped in traffic lanes around 3:00am , initiating a police response.

Police blocked the car with a police car in the front and an armored vehicle in the rear.
Authorities nudged the car, and used, sirens, an air horn and a Los Angeles Police Department helicopter to try to wake the couple for over 40 minutes.

After several minutes of a Sergeant making announcements to the couple, Sandlin, as the driver, began moving and rolled down the back window. He then began to move the vehicle forward, hitting the police unit in front, then reversing, hitting the armored vehicle behind. He attempted to drive forward once more before coming to a halt.

Multiple officers saw Sandlin lean towards a gun on Michaels lap. This provoked an officer to fire two shotgun rounds hitting Sandlin. Michael opened the passenger door moments after firing shots. Officers told her not to reach for the gun. Despite their request, it appeared to authorities that she reached for the firearm and five officers opened fire.

Officers shot Sandlin five times and Michael 13 times. Michael died at the scene while Sandlin died at the hospital.

An autopsy revealed Michael’s and Sandlin’s blood alcohol contents were over the legal limit. Michaels blood contained traces of methamphetamine.

The families of Michael and Sandlin sued the city over their deaths. Inglewood paid $8.6 million to both families in a settlement.

All officers involved were fired. They are suing for wrongful termination and retaliation.