In Victorville, California, the tragic incident involving 15-year-old Ryan Gainer, a teenager with autism, has led his family to file a wrongful death claim against San Bernardino County. Earlier this month, Ryan was fatally shot by sheriff’s deputies, an event that has sparked considerable controversy and sorrow. The family’s legal team announced their action on Thursday, highlighting their grave concerns over the deputies’ handling of the situation and the profound loss the family now endures.
During a press conference held at the Gainer residence in Apple Valley, the family’s attorneys questioned the deputies’ approach to managing the incident. The claim, which precedes a potential lawsuit, accuses sheriff’s personnel of assault, battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and the intentional infliction of emotional distress. San Bernardino County has a 30-day window to respond to these allegations, which seek unspecified damages.
The confrontation that led to Ryan’s death occurred on March 9, when deputies were dispatched following reports of the teen assaulting family members and causing property damage. The release of body camera footage last week showed the deputies shooting Ryan as he charged at them wielding a bladed garden tool. Attorney John Burris condemned the deputies’ actions, stating, “Under no circumstances should a 15-year-old autistic boy with a gardening hoe be shot and killed without first attempting to de-escalate the situation.”
The incident on March 9 began over a disagreement about whether Ryan could listen to music and play video games before completing his chores. Despite a later call from Ryan’s cousin indicating that the situation was under control, deputies proceeded to the scene. “Once it was communicated that the situation was under control, the officers should have reevaluated their approach,” Burris remarked. Tragically, Ryan was killed as he ran toward one of the deputies with the tool raised.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus of San Bernardino County has defended the legality of the deputies’ actions while acknowledging the tragedy of the situation. He pointed to the deputies’ training for such scenarios and lamented the inadequate support network for individuals with mental health challenges. Prior to this fatal encounter, deputies had been called to the Gainer residence five times, each time resulting in Ryan receiving mental health treatment without any violence.
Attorney DeWitt Lacy criticized the deputies for not being better prepared to handle the situation with Ryan, emphasizing that the teen was not a threat of supernatural strength but rather a young individual experiencing a challenging day.
Ryan Gainer, remembered through a GoFundMe campaign set up to support his family’s funeral expenses, was described as exceptionally intelligent, kind, and community-oriented. He was involved in tutoring, robotics programs, and community service. His aspirations included becoming a mechanical engineer and running track for Oregon State University—a future tragically cut short.
Ryan attended Apple Valley High School, and the local school district expressed deep sorrow over his passing, extending condolences to his family and friends. This incident has left the community and Ryan’s loved ones grappling with grief and seeking answers to difficult questions about how such tragedies can be prevented in the future.