Author of the article:
Associated Press
VICTORVILLE, Calif. — An abducted 15-year-old girl and her father — a fugitive wanted in the death of the teen’s mother — were killed amid a shootout with law enforcement Tuesday on a highway in the high desert, authorities said.
The teenager, Savannah Graziano, was wearing tactical gear as she ran toward sheriff’s deputies during the firefight, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus.
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Authorities did not specify whether the teen was struck by bullets fired by her father or responding deputies.
She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly before noon.
Her father, 45-year-old Anthony John Graziano, was pronounced dead at the scene in Hesperia. He allegedly killed his estranged wife in a domestic violence incident on Monday in the city of Fontana.
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Investigators had issued an Amber Alert after Graziano fled with his daughter. He had been described as armed and dangerous.
His truck was spotted Tuesday morning in Barstow, prompting a chase where Graziano repeatedly fired at deputies from a rifle while driving, authorities said.
The original killing was discovered early Monday in Fontana, about 35 miles (56 kilometres) south of Hesperia.
Officers responded at around 7:30 a.m. to reports of gunfire, and found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds at a home, police said in a statement. Martinez was rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
