DOJ finds insufficient evidence to prosecute officers in Abigail Lopez’s death
California’s Department of Justice will not file criminal charges against Anaheim officers involved in the October 29, 2023, fatal shooting of Abigail Lopez.
In findings released October 6, DOJ said evidence was insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers acted unlawfully rather than defending themselves or others from a perceived imminent threat.
According to DOJ, officers responded to a report of a person with an apparent rifle. Investigators said Lopez pointed what appeared to be a firearm toward officers, who then fired. The object was subsequently identified as a gel blaster, a replica firearm.
The department also recommended additional dispatcher training, stronger officer communication training and revisions to Anaheim’s de-escalation policy and training.
Those recommendations address police practices separately from the decision not to prosecute.
The investigation was conducted under Assembly Bill 1506, which requires state review of qualifying fatal police shootings involving unarmed civilians.
Sources
California Department of Justice — October 6, 2026
Illustrative Lady Justice photograph. Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash.
