Family of woman fatally shot by LAPD officers at motel in Arleta files lawsuit against city of LA

The family of Linda Becerra Moran, a trans woman who was shot by Los Angeles Police Department officers at a motel in Arleta and later died, has filed a lawsuit against the city of LA.

Family members of Moran along with their attorneys and other community members held a news conference Friday morning announcing the suit.

Denisse Gastélum, an attorney for the family, said they filed the lawsuit for the "cold blooded killing" of Moran. She said they are demanding the district attorney step in and do something about it.

KCAL News reported about the shooting on Feb. 7 when LAPD officers responded to the 10000 block of San Fernando after calls of a possible kidnap suspect. Police said the call was made by Moran who claimed she was being held at the location against her will.

When officers arrived at the scene, they made contact with her before the LAPD alleges she became "agitated" and armed herself with a knife.

Police also allege Moran refused to comply with instructions to drop the knife and advanced toward the officers. They claim she was still holding the knife when she was shot.

Moran was taken into custody at the scene and was later transported to a local hospital for her injuries. On Feb. 27, Moran died.

Gastélum said Moran was allegedly a victim of sex trafficking who called the LAPD for help.

"She told them under no uncertain terms, 'I don't feel too good. I feel a bit suicidal. I want to harm myself,'" Gastélum said. "She grabbed a knife and at no point, let us be clear, at no point did she ever threaten the officers."

Moran's attorneys claim she was suffering a mental health crisis at the time of the incident and the officers' actions are unjustified. 

Several community members of local transgender organizations spoke in support of Moran, seeking justice for her death.

KCAL News has reached out to the LA city attorney and the LAPD for comment on the lawsuit.