Alberto Sepulveda

Deadly force

The house of Alberto Sepulveda's father was one target of an extensive dawn anti-drug SWAT assault by Modesto police, acting on federal warrants. As ordered by officers, Sepulveda's mother, father and his two siblings were all lying face-down on the floor as their house was searched. Officer David Hawn's shotgun discharged as it was trained on Alberto's head. He died instantly. No drugs were found. Police tried to blame Alberto's death on his 14-year-old brother, who was said to be disruptive during the raid. In June 2002 the family settled with the city and the federal government for $2.55M and changes to police procedures.