Rufino Lara

How they died

Deadly force

Two officers were responding to a call about assault outside an abandoned store and began to question a group of men there. Florida Rubio, a witness, said she made the call at Lara's request because he feared the other men were going to hurt him. Lara attempted to leave the scene, refusing an officer's commands to turn around or show his hands. The officer claims she gave commands both in English and Spanish (Lara did not speak English). Rubio said she attempted to tell the officers that Lara needed help, but that she was ignored. When Lara did turn around, one hand was in his pocket, and the officer shot him to death. Lara was unarmed.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Rufino Lara, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources