On December 17, 2020, the Kern County Sheriff's Office Critical Incident Review Board convened to consider the use of lethal force by Deputy Christopher Gonzalez, Detective Vidal Contreras and Deputy Miguel Orozco on October 28, 2020, which resulted in the death of Justin Esqueda.
The Critical Incident Review Board consisted of Chief Deputy Larry McCurtain, Chief Deputy Damian Nord, and Acting Chief Deputy Avery Simpson.
After reviewing all the facts involved in this case, the Critical Incident Review Board determined the force used by Deputy Christopher Gonzalez, Detective Vidal Contreras and Deputy Miguel Orozco in this incident was within departmental policy.
All three Deputies have been returned to duty following the findings of the Critical Incident Review Board.
Below, you will find a video presentation, including body-worn camera video, to help bring context to the facts surrounding this case.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym3VC2ByMEk
