A San Bernardino County family is mourning the loss of their beloved Rotweiler, Daisy, who died last month after a Sheriff’s deputy allegedly entered the family’s yard without a warrant and shot Daisy in the head.
Photos of the shooting taken from home security cameras inside Jesus Serna and Vanessa Gonzalez’s home at 11:55 a.m. on May 4, show Daisy near the fence sniffing when the deputy arrived. The family’s other dog is also seen in the yard, along with two large doghouses and dog bowls.
Serna and Gonzalez, represented by San Diego-based civil rights lawyer Tim Scott, are now seeking answers as to why the deputy entered their property and deputy shot and killed Daisy.
On Tuesday, June 9, they will appear alongside their Scott, and release what they say is a horrific video that shows their dog clinging to life after getting shot while deputies search for the bullet casing.
“This family has learned that their dog had not simply been shot, but also left to bleed out and die by a deputy who had no business being in their yard in the first place,” Scott said in a statement.
Scott says the family is devastated. The video from their security cameras only makes it all the more difficult.
Still shots provided to Times of San Diego show Daisy appearing to be barking at the deputy who aims his weapon at her, before shooting.
Other stills then show deputies carrying Daisy’s body out of the yard.
For Serna and Gonzalez, it’s what happened after the shooting that adds to their pain and confusion.
Security footage, according to the family, shows Daisy lying on the ground after getting shot for approximately 20 minutes, as, says the family attorneys, deputies tried to, “locate and remove the shell casing of the bullet used to kill Daisy. One deputy can later be heard callously stating, ‘I think he’s [Daisy] dead now,'” as he poked Daisy’s body with his baton.
After Daisy died, photos _ not featured due to the graphic nature – show deputies carrying Daisy by her paws out of the backyard and, according to attorneys for the family, into the back of a county vehicle for cremation.
“The law protects our homes from warrantless entries like this. Daisy’s death, and the removal of her remains without permission, were violations of our clients’ constitutional rights and a profound violation of the community’s trust,” attorney Scott added.
Although unable to comment on potential litigation, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department released a statement, saying the agency is investigating the incident while the department sends its condolences to the family:
“We want to begin by acknowledging that this incident has been deeply distressing — for Mr. Serna, his family, and the community we are honored to serve. We understand how profoundly painful it is when an animal is harmed, and we do not take lightly the emotional impact this event has had on everyone involved. We recognize that this situation unfolded quickly, and we want Mr. Serna and the public to know we are approaching this review with the seriousness and care it deserves.
We are currently conducting a thorough review of all available evidence, including body-worn camera footage, to ensure a complete and objective understanding of what took place.
We are grateful for the community’s patience and trust as we work through this review. These concerns matter to us deeply, and we remain dedicated to serving this community with integrity, compassion, and accountability.”
Serna family attorney, Tim Scott, says the family has not filed any legal action but only wants answers as to why this happened, at least for now.
“San Bernardino has denied all public records act requests, and won’t answer reporters’ basic questions about Daisy’s death, claiming the matter is in litigation,” said Scott. “That is untrue; we have not filed any claim against anyone. The family simply seeks to learn the truth. We have only asked them to preserve the records and to comply with California’s public records act. But it’s becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we have to sue to get records and basic information, then I guess that’s what we will do.”
Mr. Serna, Ms. Gonzalez and their attorney will release the full video at a June 9 news conference at the Mission Inn in Riverside.
