ⓘThis article reports on a matter of public interest. Carrazco Law, A.P.C. is not representing any party involved in this incident unless expressly stated.
Malcolm Buchanan Killed by Pasadena Police After Alleged Shooting
Malcolm Buchanan Killed in Pasadena Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting
Malcolm Buchanan: 32-Year-Old Man Shot and Killed by Pasadena Police After Alleged Shooting Incident
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA (May 16, 2026): Malcolm Buchanan, 32, was fatally shot by Pasadena police officers on March 2, 2026, after allegedly shooting another man and wounding Officer Bryan Vasquez. The Pasadena Police Department has released body camera footage of the deadly encounter that left Buchanan dead and Officer Vasquez seriously wounded.
Liability for Los Angeles Fatal Officer-Involved Shootings
Under federal civil rights law 42 U.S.C. § 1983, police officers who violate constitutional rights under color of law may be held liable for damages. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against unreasonable seizures, including the use of deadly force. California Penal Code § 835a establishes standards for peace officer use of force, requiring that force be objectively reasonable and necessary. The California Civil Code § 52.1 (Bane Act) provides additional state civil rights protections. Multiple parties may be liable including individual officers, supervisors, and the City of Pasadena.
Failure to De-escalate: Officers may not have used required de-escalation techniques.
Excessive Force: The level of force may be disproportionate to any perceived threat.
Lack of Warning: Officers may not have given adequate warning before using force.
Mental Health Crisis: Persons in mental distress require specialized response.
Legal claims may include constitutional violations under Graham v. Connor (1989) 490 U.S. 386, which establishes the objective reasonableness standard for excessive force cases. Damages may include wrongful death, pain and suffering, loss of earnings, medical expenses, and civil rights violations. AB 1506 requires the California Department of Justice to investigate all officer-involved shootings resulting in death.
Steps to Take After a Los Angeles Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting
According to the California Department of Justice, there were 157 fatal officer-involved shootings statewide in 2023.
Request body camera footage through a California Public Records Act request.
Seek the involved officer's use-of-force history and prior complaint records.
Request the incident report and any internal affairs investigation documents.
File a government tort claim within 6 months of the incident.
Consult a civil rights attorney before making any statements to investigators.
Statute of limitations: 2 years, California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. For claims against government entities: Government claim deadline: 6 months, California Government Code § 911.2. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating Los Angeles Fatal Officer-Involved Shootings
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Malcolm Buchanan. Did officers follow proper de-escalation protocols before using deadly force? Was the use of lethal force objectively reasonable under the circumstances presented in the body camera footage?
Do you have questions about a Los Angeles fatal officer-involved shooting? Our team is here for you. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Legal Context
Applicable California Law
42 U.S.C. § 1983, Federal civil rights statute allowing claims for constitutional violations by government actors
Fourth Amendment, U.S. Constitution: Protection against unreasonable seizures, including excessive use of force
California Penal Code § 835a: Standards for peace officer use of force requiring objective reasonableness and necessity
California Civil Code § 52.1 (Bane Act): State civil rights protections for interference with constitutional rights by threats or violence
Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989): Establishes objective reasonableness standard for evaluating excessive force claims
California Government Code § 815.2: Vicarious liability of public entities for employee torts
California Government Code § 820.2: Liability of public employees for injuries caused by acts or omissions
AB 1506 (2020): Requires California Department of Justice investigation of fatal officer-involved shootings
Liability Analysis
If the investigation establishes that the officers failed to employ reasonable de-escalation tactics, used force disproportionate to any threat presented, or violated clearly established constitutional rights, the individual officers, their supervisors, and the City of Pasadena could potentially be held liable under federal civil rights law and California state law. Liability would depend on whether the force used was objectively reasonable under the totality of circumstances known to the officers at the time, including any alleged threat posed by Mr. Buchanan and whether less lethal alternatives were feasible.
Statute of Limitations
Claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 must be filed within two years from the date of the incident under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, before filing any lawsuit against the City of Pasadena or its officers, a government tort claim must be filed with the city within six months of the incident under California Government Code § 911.2. Missing this six-month deadline may bar all claims.
If You've Been Affected by a Similar Incident
Carrazco Law represents individuals and families affected by police shootings and officer-involved incidents across California. These cases involve complex federal and state laws including 42 U.S.C. §1983 (federal civil rights claims), Bane Act claims under California Civil Code §52.1, and government tort claims with strict deadlines (often six months from the date of incident under the California Government Claims Act). If you or a loved one has been affected by a similar incident, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim after a fatal police shooting in California?
You must file a government tort claim with the city or agency within six months of the incident under California Government Code § 911.2. After the claim is denied or deemed denied, you have two years from the date of the shooting to file a federal civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Missing the six-month government claim deadline can bar your case entirely, so immediate consultation with a civil rights attorney is critical.
What does it mean for police use of force to be 'objectively reasonable'?
Under Graham v. Connor and California Penal Code § 835a, courts evaluate whether the force used was reasonable from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, considering the severity of the suspected crime, whether the person posed an immediate threat, and whether they were actively resisting or attempting to evade arrest. The analysis looks at what the officers knew at the moment force was used, not with hindsight.
Can I obtain the body camera footage from the shooting?
Yes. Under the California Public Records Act and Assembly Bill 748, body-worn camera footage of critical incidents like officer-involved shootings must generally be released within 45 days unless specific exemptions apply. You may submit a formal public records request to the Pasadena Police Department. An attorney can help you navigate this process and obtain additional records such as use-of-force reports and officer personnel files.
Who can be held liable in a fatal officer-involved shooting case?
Potentially liable parties may include the individual officer or officers who used force, their supervising officers if they failed to intervene or properly train personnel, and the City of Pasadena under theories of vicarious liability or municipal liability for unconstitutional policies or customs. Liability depends on whether the investigation reveals constitutional violations such as excessive force, failure to de-escalate, or deliberate indifference to known risks.
What damages can families recover in a fatal police shooting lawsuit?
If liability is established, recoverable damages may include economic losses such as funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and loss of household services. Non-economic damages may include the family's loss of companionship, comfort, and emotional support. In cases involving egregious misconduct, punitive damages may be available against individual officers, though California law generally prohibits punitive damages against public entities.
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This article is published by Carrazco Law News for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or sharing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Carrazco Law, A.P.C. Carrazco Law is not representing any party involved in the incident described above. If you have been affected by a similar incident, consult a licensed California attorney about your specific situation.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Carrazco Law, A.P.C. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one, please contact our office directly for a confidential consultation.
