The tragic shooting of Linda Becerra Moran, a trans woman believed to be a victim of sex trafficking, at the hands of LAPD officers has led her family to pursue a civil rights lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles. Moran was fatally shot in a motel in Arleta after she had called for help, with the incident accruing several weeks of national attention and outcry. According to KTLA, the family's attorney has claimed that Moran was in the midst of a mental health crisis and had been a victim of trafficking.
On the morning of February 7, CBS Los Angeles reported that the LAPD received a distress call from Moran alleging she was being held against her will. Bodycam footage subsequently released by the department depicts a distressed Moran holding a knife to her neck and later advancing toward the officers, who then opened fire. This sequence of events would ultimately lead to Moran succumbing to the injuries weeks later, on February 27.
Denisse Gastélum, the attorney representing Moran's family, stated during a news conference, "She told them under no uncertain terms, 'I don't feel too good. I feel a bit suicidal. I want to harm myself,'" revealing Moran's critical state during the engagement, as per CBS Los Angeles. Moran never threatened the officers, Gastélum added, highlighting the concern for LAPD's response to individuals in mental health crises.
