(L.A.) Jesse Dominguez, 34, Died in a Hospital

Case Number: 2023-16004

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 34-year-old Latino male that occurred in a hospital.

The coroner’s office has identified the man as Jesse Dominguez.

Born in L.A. County. Mother’s maiden name is Figueroa.

Manner of Death: Homicide

Cause of Death: Gunshot Wounds

RIP JESSE DOMINGUEZ (May 18, 1989 – November 19, 2023)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Sunday at 4:10 p.m.

Dominguez had been walking in westbound lanes of Interstate 105 and ended up in a struggle with a California Highway Patrol officer, during which time Dominguez was fatally shot.

Original video taken by Dwight Lewis

“Following the pedestrian’s use of the weapon against the officer, and in fear for his safety, the officer fired his service weapon,” a CHP statement said.

On November 27, the family of Jesse Dominguez filed a claim against the California Highway Patrol.

The claim is a precursor to a lawsuit, which attorneys for the family said will be filed after the CHP is allowed time to respond to the claim. In the claim, attorneys alleged that the CHP fails to train officers in the use of deadly force.

The state attorney general’s office is investigating the shooting in line with its policy of reviewing incidents when the deceased did not have a deadly weapon.

A stun gun is not considered a lethal weapon under state law.

His family said Dominguez had been carrying a Taser for protection after threats from other residents at the sober living facility near the highway where he had been staying.

Dominguez was an aspiring actor who was likely experiencing a mental health episode or drug-fueled crisis when he was killed. He had been struggling with substance abuse, a serious mental health disorder and homelessness.

Highway patrol officers aren’t required to wear body cameras, but the agency uses in-car cameras.