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Family Proclaims Innocence Of Inglewood Man Shot By Deputies

INGLEWOOD (CBSLA.com) — The family of a father of two who was killed by Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies in Willowbrook over the weekend claims he was innocent.

The incident happened Saturday night on East 122nd Street and South Wilmington Avenue.

Jose De La Trinidad, 36, was riding in a car with his brother when police tried to pull over the driver for a code violation.

Officials said De La Trinidad's brother didn't stop and, instead, sped away.

After a short pursuit, the vehicle stopped in Compton.

Police said De La Trinidad got out of the car and appeared to reach toward his waistband for a weapon, which caused deputies to shoot him.

However, no weapon was recovered from the scene.

Witness George Dominguez said he heard multiple shots.

"I heard two gunshots while sleeping, but neighbors said there were eleven," he told CBS2's Andrea Fujii.

The victim's family in Inglewood continues to be stunned by their loss.

De La Trinidad's wife, Rosie, said an old injury caused her husband's arm to hang at an angle, which may have made it look like he was reaching for his waistband.

"What do I tell (my kids)?" said Rosie. "That the people we tell them to trust and go to for help… killed their father for no reason?"

De La Trinidad's nephew, Michael Anthony Hernandez, said, "How do you cope with losing someone due to law enforcement? Someone who didn't deserve to go."

A spokesperson for the L.A. County Sheriff's Department said they are still investigating the incident.

The deputies who were involved in the shooting are on desk duty until the situation is resolved.

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