Detective Luca Benedetti
Officer: San Luis Obispo Police Department, Detective Luca Benedetti
Date: 5/10/2021 Location: San Luis Obispo, CA FACTORS (1,2,4,5,7,15,17,21)
Perpetrator(s) Involved: Edward "Eddie" Zamora Giron II
Criminal Activity History/Involved: Yes, Giron had prior “alcohol, drug, and property related offenses”./Yes, Giron’s house was being searched because he was suspected of committing commercial burglaries. Stolen property was recovered at the scene.
Mental Illness: Yes, Giron’s family and friends said he suffered from mental illness, including paranoia. He committed suicide which is another sign.
Substance Abuse History/Involved: Yes, Giron had “issues with alcoholism.”/None stated.
Race/Sex/Age: Latino/Male/35
What prompted the initial contact with the killer? At approximately 5:00 p.m. on May 10, 2021, while looking for evidence as part of an investigation into commercial burglaries, a team of six Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) police officers conducted a search warrant on a home believed to be occupied by Edward Zamora Giron. As required by California’s new Penal Code 844, the officers knocked and announced themselves.
Actions taken by subject toward police: Giron layed in wait and shot at the officers as they forced his door open and began to enter. Det. Benedetti was killed, and another detective was injured.
Reactions by the police: The officers returned fire, striking Giron who ended up taking his own life after the shootout.
How murdered? Det. Benedetti was ambushed and shot dead while conducting a knock and announce search warrant.
What could have been done differently for the officer to still be alive? Likely nothing, this is what happens when armed subjects committed to conduct violence are given notice of a search warrant.
Would the officer have been justified to use deadly force before being murdered? N/A, the officers could not see Giron before he opened fire upon them.
Outcome for the cop-killer: Giron took his own life after an exchange of gunfire.
Miscellaneous: The state of California failed both Det. Benedetti and Edward Giron. Giron’s mother tried multiple times to get the State mental health authorities to check up on him and commit him to a psychiatric facility, but they never did.
