Previous records show that the accused has been involved in a similar case where he killed another civilian in familiar circumstances a few years ago, media reports suggest. Accused deputy Shelton has also been involved in Michael Thomas’s death on June 11, 2020 in a similar case. Shelton had been responding to a potential domestic violence call and fatally shot him in the chest.
“She reported that her boyfriend would not leave her alone and then screaming and sounds of a struggle could be heard”, reported The Guardian quoting the LA Sheriff’s Department (LASD) statement on Finlayson’s murder case.
The LASD has claimed that the victim, Niani Finlayson, had a knife and was threatening her boyfriend because of which deputy Ty Shelton had to open fire. Finlayson’s family has filed a legal claim against the county and sheriff’s department on Thursday.
The accused LA County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the apartment in East Avenue, Lancaster and heard people arguing. After entering the house, the deputy was involved in confrontations which resulted in the fatal shooting and the woman received multiple gunshot wounds in front of her daughter. Owing to the injuries, she was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead.
