Konoa Wilson Obituary, Death; – The family of 16-year-old Konoa Wilson, who was shot by a police officer in downtown San Diego earlier this year, has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the city.
The incident took place on January 28 just before 9 p.m. near Santa Fe Depot, while SDPD officers were responding to a report of an unrelated assault. Approximately a month later, police released the body-worn camera and surveillance footage of the event.
Upon the release of the footage, questions arose regarding the justification of the officer’s actions in firing at the teenager.
In the video, Wilson is seen encountering one of the officers responding to the nearby assault — identified as Daniel Gold — while he was fleeing from two other young men. One of these individuals was armed and opened fire at Wilson, causing him to escape.
The two individuals meet in the corridor leading to Santa Fe Depot from Kettner Boulevard. Within moments, Gold draws his firearm and shoots at Wilson twice from a close distance. Only after discharging his weapon does he identify himself as a member of the SDPD. Tragically, the 16-year-old was later declared dead.
In the lawsuit filed by his family this week, it is asserted that Wilson did not at any point brandish a weapon or pose a threat to the officer. Although a firearm was discovered on his person, the footage indicates it was concealed within his clothing and was only revealed when first aid was administered.
A spokesperson for the SDPD declined to comment on the ongoing litigation and directed FOX 5/KUSI to the City Attorney’s office, which also stated they were unable to provide any comments.
“It’s challenging to be a police officer, and it is unfortunate when mistakes made by officers lead to fatalities,” remarked Jan Ronis, an attorney and legal expert not involved in the lawsuit. He noted that the officer could face charges if it is determined that this constitutes a federal crime.
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the incident to ascertain whether the officer holds any criminal liability. Ronis mentioned that police officers are infrequently charged with crimes related to their duties.
