Dec 09 2008
Toddler Killed in Hostage Situation
A man using his daughter as a shield during a shooting with the LAPD died from gunshot wounds. His daughter also died from an LAPD bullet to the head. It is the second time in the SWAT team’s history that a hostage died during a standoff.
Jose Raul Pena had been threatening his wife, his 17-year-old stepdaughter, and the toddler. He was threatening to kill them all. His stepdaughter called the authorities multiple times to alert them of his threats. When the police arrived at the auto dealership where the threats were happening, Pena immediately opened fire. His stepdaughter claimed he was high on cocaine and alcohol. Despite attempts at negotiations, Pena used his daughter, Suzy, as a shield against the LAPD’s bullets.
At 6:30pm, the stand-off ended with Pena and Suzy dead.
