Appeals Court Finds SWAT Team Wasn't Responsible For Toddler's Death In Standoff

LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — An appeals court ruled Monday that an LAPD SWAT team was not responsible for the death of a toddler who was fatally shot during a police standoff.

On Monday, the 2nd District Court of Appeal affirmed Superior Court Judge Rolf Treu's decision that the officers had just cause in using deadly force, according to the Los Angeles Times. Treu dismissed the family's case in 2009.

Nineteen-month-old Suzie Pena was killed by a SWAT officer's bullet after the team entered the car dealership and shot at her father, who was using the girl as a shield. Raul Pena was armed and fired at police.

The appellate panel found that the force used by officers was reasonable, given that Suzie's life was in peril.

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